A multivariate approach to understanding cognitive functioning in high-performance athletes

With increasing recognition of cognitive functioning in high-performance athletes, understanding these processes may offer insights into training and performance. The current study adopted a multidimensional approach to characterize domain-general cognitive functioning in high-performance athletes by examining the frequency and distribution of high cognitive scores across multiple cognitive domains. The sample consisted of 188 athletes from a training/development organization (n Female = 109, n Male = 79; Mean age ± SD: 16.56 ± 1.95 years). Athletes completed a battery of computerized neuropsychological tests assessing a broad range of cognitive abilities, including aspects of working memory, inhibition, attention/concentration, and spatial processing (among others). 87.2% of athletes achieved at least one high score at or above the 75th percentile, 69.7% at or above the 84th, and 53.2% at or above the 91st, whereas only 46.3%, 21.8%, and 9.6% achieved three or more high scores at these thresholds. Moderate positive associations emerged among tasks assessing episodic memory, attention/concentration, verbal reasoning and visuospatial working memory ( p < .001). These findings provide a foundation for future research to advance our understanding of athlete cognition and to inform development strategies.