A Multidimensional Perspective On Cognitive Functioning Across Sport Classifications In High-Performance Athletes

This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the domain-general cognitive functioning of high-performance athletes, addressing inconsistencies in current assessment methods. The sample consisted of 188 athletes from the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario from Team (n=94), Precision/Skill-dependent (n=56), and Speed-strength (n=28) sports. Athletes completed a battery of computerized neuropsychological tests. Study 1 examined multidimensional cognitive profiles. Athletes exhibited superior performance, with associations found between episodic memory, visuospatial working memory, attention/concentration, and verbal reasoning. Two latent factors—attention/executive function and short-term (working) emerged. Study 2 examined cognitive performance across sport type. Team sport athletes outperformed those in other sports on visual short-term (working) memory, response inhibition, visuospatial working memory, and working memory tasks. They also secured the highest proportion of high scores across increasing thresholds. Collectively, the current thesis provides a foundation for future research to advance athlete cognitive profiling to inform talent identification and development strategies.