In the context of cognitive characteristics, it is not yet known which ones would be discriminating for the sports performance of athletes from different sports, as well as, it is not known which cognitive characteristics need to be considered to discriminate an athlete who is more likely to be successful in sports. Thus, it is necessary to understand whether the level of cognitive characteristics such as Inhibitory Control (IC) makes a difference or not for the sports performance of adolescent athletes. We verified the association between IC and neuromuscular performance (NP) in adolescent athletes and compared the NP of athletes with different levels of IC. Sample of 239 school athletes is (12.0 ± 1.41 years, 42% boys, 58% girls). IC was assessed by Stroop task measured by computerized Stroop test. Upper Limb Performance (ULP), Sargent Jump (SJ) and body speed with change of direction (BScD) were evaluated. IC groups were formed using analysis of k-cluster averages. IC was associated with NP in the sample in both sexes (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in the Low-IC group (Worst performance p < 0.05). BScD was significantly different between the High-IC groups and the other groups (Better performance p < 0.05). Levels of inhibition control are associated with neuromuscular performance of the upper and lower limbs in young adolescent athletes. In addition, adolescent athletes of both sexes with higher CI have better NP compared to their peers with lower IC.
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