Table 2_Meta-analysis of task- and mechanism-dependent effects of net sports on N200 and P300 components.docx

Subgroup analysis identified a robust positive effect in conscious spatial cognition tasks (SMD = 1.74, p < 0.0001) and an exploratory large effect in table tennis-specific unconscious inhibition tasks (SMD = 6.42, p < 0.0001). No overall significant effect was found for N200 amplitude (SMD = −0.86, p = 0.24); however, bidirectional modulation was observed: amplitudes decreased in conflict monitoring tasks but increased in active response inhibition tasks.</p>Conclusion<p>Net sports are associated with task-dependent modulation of N200 and P300 components, which may be mediated by distinct cognitive control circuits, rather than producing a uniform pattern of enhancement or reduction.

These findings help reconcile the prior contradiction between the neural efficiency and resource enhancement hypotheses, and refine the theoretical framework of experience-dependent neuroplasticity in open-skill sports, providing candidate electrophysiological indicators and a theoretical basis for designing targeted motor-cognitive training programs, which require further validation in intervention studies.</p>Systematic review registration<p>crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261421340, identifier PROSPERO (CRD420261421340).</p>