Stroboscopic training effects on athletic performance and cognitive function across populations, purposes, and skill types: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of stroboscopic training on cognitive function and athletic performance across different populations, purposes, and skill types. Methods A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted through August 2025. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English that examined the effects of stroboscopic training on cognitive function (e.g., attention, perceptual ability, information processing speed) and athletic performance were included. Fourteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria, with 8 evaluating cognitive outcomes and 8 evaluating athletic performance. Results Meta-analysis revealed that stroboscopic training produced a moderate positive effect on overall cognitive function (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.98, p < 0.01, I 2 = 81%) and a moderate effect on athletic performance (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.78, p < 0.01, I 2 = 64%). Total intervention duration was significantly positively correlated with effect size (cognitive: b = 0.0016, p < 0.01; athletic: b = 0.001, p < 0.01). Conclusions These findings suggest that stroboscopic training, particularly protocols lasting 6–10 weeks with 2–3 sessions per week of 10–20 min each, can effectively enhance cognitive function and athletic performance, providing a promising neurocognitive training approach for sport training and clinical rehabilitation. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251070243). Systematic Review Registration identifier, CRD420251070243.