Gender Differences in Cognitive Functions of Youth Water Polo Players

• DOI: 10.26773/smj.240211
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T17:50:39Z
• Authors: Neven Kovačević; ; Frane Mihanović; ; Linda Lušić Kalcina; ; Tatjana Matijaš; ; Ivan Rukavina; ; Tea Galić
• Keywords: Stroop effect

Water polo (WP) as a highly demanding contact team sport, requires from players to have well developed cognitive functions, similar in other sports. Following same rules for females and males it is important realize differences between them, which may contribute their sports success help coaches develop adequate training models. Therefore, the aim of this study was compare functions female male youth WP players. There were 36 (25%) 106 (75%) aged 12 14 years enrolled study. Variables measured included anthropometric indices, specific functional swimming capacities testings using Stroop test. Females showed better psychomotor speed (Stroop Off) (females 61.79±6.79 s vs. 64.83±8.31 s, p=0.048) response inhibition On) 73.44±10.74 78.67±14.82 p=0.025) than males. Female results speed, inhibitory control motor compared males, taking both age gender into account. Such might be interest WP, different them appropriate strategies each athlete.