Effects of multiple object tracking training on visual attention and sports decision-making in novice female basketball players: evidence from EyeLink-EEG synchronization

Background Visual attention is critical for effective sports decision-making (SDM), this study explores that how multiple-object tracking (MOT) training improves decision-making accuracy (ACC) and the underlying neural mechanisms. Methods The paper selected 56 novice female novice basketball players from universities, which synchronized eye movement electroencephalogram (EEG) technology was used to analyze the relationship between visual attention and sports decision-making, as well as the corresponding EEG changes, through nine weeks of multiple-object tracking training in the intervention group. Results After training, the accuracy of the intervention group significantly improved, the proportion of players’ fixation on key and related areas increased, and the visual search process was simplified. During the decision-making process, event-related potential (ERP) components N1, P1, late positive complex (LPC), and late negative complex (LNC) undergo changes, the result improved efficiency of cognitive processing for players. Conclusions Nine weeks multiple-object tracking training can improve the sports decision-making ability of novice female basketball players significantly. After training, the proportion of fixation in the key and related areas of players increased. During the decision-making process, the ERP components N1, P1, LPC decreased, and LNC increased, the result indicates that more cognitive resources were allocated effectively to the key information and optimal time points for completing decisions, demonstrating cognitive processing advantages.