Effect of Cognitive Training on Efficiency of Executive Control Network of Attention and Processing Speed (with Approach of Hebb's Theory)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cognitive training by working memory tasks on attention and processing speed executive control network efficiency among table tennis players. Therefore, 20 participants were divided into two group of training: cognitive and paired. Before and after training sessions (8 sessions), Attentional Networks Test (ANT) was performed. Results of repeated measure ANOVA 2×2 showed significant differences between two groups in each factor (attentional executive control reaction time). Cognitive training group showed improvement in executive control, while the second group did not. Processing speed was improved in both groups, however, the cognitive training group showed more improvement than the paired group. Based on the study results, it seems that cognitive training has positive effect on neural network efficiency and processing speed and according to Hebb’s theory, this issue indicates an increased effect of intra network communication and brain plasticity of as a result of repetition and practice.