A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India

Yuvraj Rananajay Singh; Swapnali Saurabh Kadam; Anukant Mital

doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

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Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2026; 16(1): 41-55

doi: 10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India

Yuvraj Rananajay Singh, Swapnali Saurabh Kadam, Anukant Mital.

Abstract
Background:
Chess has long been used to evaluate fundamental cognitive functions, including memory and problem solving, where the executive function is crucial. Studies have shown that chess enables young players to gain advantages in various cognitive domains.

Aim:
This study aimed to compare and assess cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11–16 years in Western India.

Methods:
The study was conducted in chess players (case) and non-chess players (control) aged 11–16 years with a normal body mass index and no cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination test >24). Participants were assessed for cognitive functions using several tests: executive function and selective attention (Stroop and Eriksen Flanker test), working memory (N-back test), reaction time (Deary–Liewald task), and intelligence (Bhatia Battery Tests of Intelligence).

Results:
Significant group differences were found for Stroop congruent time (p < 0.001), Stroop incongruent time (p < 0.001), Stroop interference (p < 0.001), Eriksen Flanker congruent time (p < 0.001), Eriksen Flanker incongruent time (p < 0.001), Flanker interference (p < 0.001), N-back (working memory) correct response (p < 0.001), Deary–Liewald simple reaction time (p < 0.001), Deary–Liewald choice reaction time (p < 0.001), and Bhatia’s Battery Tests of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) (p < 0.001), showing that chess players demonstrated better in respective cognitive functions.

Conclusion:
Chess players exhibited better cognitive functions across various domains, including selective attention, executive function, working memory, reaction time, and IQ, than non-chess players.

Key words: Cognitive function; Chess players; Selective attention; Executive function; Working memory; Reaction time.

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Pubmed Style

Singh YR, Kadam SS, Mital A. A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2026; 16(1): 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

Web Style

Singh YR, Kadam SS, Mital A. A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. https://www.njppp.com/?mno=296207 [Access: May 10, 2026]. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Singh YR, Kadam SS, Mital A. A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2026; 16(1): 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Singh YR, Kadam SS, Mital A. A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. (2026), [cited May 10, 2026]; 16(1): 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

Harvard Style

Singh, Y. R., Kadam, . S. S. & Mital, . A. (2026) A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol, 16 (1), 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

Turabian Style

Singh, Yuvraj Rananajay, Swapnali Saurabh Kadam, and Anukant Mital. 2026. A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 16 (1), 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

Chicago Style

Singh, Yuvraj Rananajay, Swapnali Saurabh Kadam, and Anukant Mital. "A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India." National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 16 (2026), 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Singh, Y. R., Kadam, . S. S. & Mital, . A. (2026) A case-control study to assess and compare cognitive functions among chess players and non-chess players aged 11 to 16 years in western India. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 16 (1), 41-55. doi:10.5455/NJPPP.2026.v16.i1.7

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