Reactive Agility Research Articles

The effect of a neuromuscular-cognitive training program on postural stability, hop performance, and agility in Division-I Women's Tennis athletes: A pilot study

BackgroundSituational awareness and cognitive function are often discounted in sports training programs, potentially limiting their effectiveness. ObjectiveThis research aimed to examine the effect of a six-week neuromuscular-cognitive training program on postural stability, hop performance, and agility with and without perceptual-cognitive challenge in a tennis team. DesignDouble baseline, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest. MethodsTen collegiate female tennis athletes volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed two baseline testing sessions, a six-week training program, and a post-test session one week after the training program. Participants completed the neuromuscular-cognitive training twice a week for six weeks. The training integrated cognitive load (e.g., working memory and inhibitory control) during exercise (e.g., balance and shuffling). At each data collection session, subjects completed a single-limb stance on a force plate with and without an upper extremity reaction test, single-leg hop, single-leg memory hop, reactive agility, and a lower extremity reaction task. Pre-to post-intervention changes were analyzed using t-tests with corresponding Hedge's g effect sizes. Results were considered significant when p ≤ 0.05 and Hedge's g effect sizes were moderate to strong. ResultsStatistically significant improvements were identified for single and dual-task anteroposterior mean center of pressure velocity (g = −0.684–0.803), single-task time-to-boundary mediolateral mean minima (g = 0.921), and single and dual-task time-to-boundary anteroposterior mean minima (0.708–0.830). Additionally, significant improvements were identified in the upper extremity reaction task during the dual-task static balance (g = −0.795). ConclusionNeuromuscular-cognitive training may be beneficial in improving postural stability outcomes; however, more research is needed to develop this type of training further.

An Observational Study: Correlation Between Self-Perceived Readiness and Physical Performance in Healthy Individuals

IntroductionIn complex environments, individuals need to anticipate and react to stimuli by integrating complex systems and skills. Identifying the perceptual-cognitive, physical, and health characteristics that afford effective performance is necessary for developing training and readiness strategies. Measuring readiness by establishing a relationship between the Acute Readiness Monitoring Scale (ARMS) and performance during perceptual-cognitive tasks is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between self-perceived readiness, physical performance, and perceptual-cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Materials and MethodsCross-sectional design with healthy and physically active young adults (n=35). Participants completed a measure of self-perceived readiness (the ARMS), physical performance (i.e., Vertical Jump (VJ) and Ballistic Push-Up), and perceptual-cognitive exercises (i.e., Single Leg Memory Hop (SLMH), Reactive VJ, Reactive Ballistic Push-Up, Reactive Agility Run Decide, and Upper and Lower Extremity Reaction Tests). Data was analyzed using Pearson’s r (r) correlation to identify associations. ResultsStatistically significant moderate correlations were detected between ARMS Total and VJ (Peak Power Normalized and Flight Time) (r=0.434, p=0.010) and (r=0.420, p=0.013), and SLMH Distance Normalized (r=0.409, p=0.016). Moderate negative correlations between the ARMS Total and Reactive VJ Reaction Time (r=-0.473, p=0.005). ConclusionThe ARMS can be an effective tool for measuring acute self-perceived readiness. This suggests that individuals who work in dynamic environments may benefit from training that targets perceptual-cognitive skills. Although moderate, self-perceived readiness was associated with better resilience, health, and performance exercises. Results highlight the importance of protocols targeting populations who work in complex environments for increased performance.

The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS). A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group's random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group's fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551). Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has better effect on improving reactive agility.

Validity and reliability of technology-based reactive agility tennis test (RATT)

Validity and reliability of technology-based reactive agility tennis test (RATT)

American Football Headgear Impairs Visuomotor Drill Performance in Division I NCAA Football Athletes.

Background/Objectives: Previous evidence has shown that American football headgear (e.g., facemasks, visors/eye shields) differentially impairs reaction time (RT) to visual stimuli, most notably in peripheral fields of view. However, this has only been established with stationary RT testing, which may not translate to gameplay situations that require gross motor skills. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to build upon previous findings to elucidate the effects of various American football headgear on gross motor visuomotor drill performance. Methods: Division 1 NCAA football players (n = 16) with normal/corrected-to-normal vision participated and completed two experiments (EXP), each with differing conditions: EXP1- Varying facemask reinforcement and EXP2- Varying visor/eye shield light transmittance. In EXP1, participants completed an agility test for the following conditions: baseline/no helmet (BL), helmet + light (HL), helmet + medium (HM), and helmet + heavy (HH) face mask reinforcement. In EXP2, participants completed an agility test for the following conditions: baseline/no helmet (BL), helmet + clear visor (HCV), helmet + smoke-tinted visor (HSV), and helmet + mirrored visor (HMV). For each condition in EXP1 and EXP2, participants completed a reactive agility task using a FITLIGHT trainer system where five poles were equipped with a total of ten LED sensors and were placed in a semi-circle 1 m around a center point. Participants were asked to step and reach with their hands to hit each ten lights individually as fast as possible upon illumination. Each reactive agility test was repeated for a total of three attempts. Results: Average reaction time was analyzed and compared between conditions and according to visual fields of interest (e.g., central vs. peripheral). Results from EXP1 showed that compared to BL, reactive agility was worsened by HL (p = 0.030), HM (p = 0.034), and HH (p = 0.003) conditions. No differences between facemask conditions existed for overall performance (p > 0.05). For EXP2, HCV (p < 0.001), HSV (p < 0.001), and HMV (p < 0.001) conditions resulted in worsened reactive agility performance compared to BL. No differences between visor conditions existed for overall performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, these findings suggest that American football headgear impairs reactive agility, which could result in worsened game performance and safety. Future studies investigating training strategies to overcome impairments are warranted.

Effects of circuit training method on reactive agility and endurance in table tennis players

Effects of circuit training method on reactive agility and endurance in table tennis players

Validity of a motor-cognitive dual-task agility test in elite youth football players.

Agility, as the ability to react rapidly to unforeseen events, is an essential component of football performance. However, existing agility diagnostics often do not reflect the complex motor-cognitive interaction required on the field. Therefore, this study evaluates the criterion and ecological validity of a newly developed motor-cognitive dual-task agility approach in elite youth football players and compare it to a traditional reactive agility test. Twenty-one male youth elite football players (age:17.4±0.6; BMI:23.2±1.8) performed two agility tests (reactive agility, reactive agility with integrated multiple-object-tracking (Dual-Task Agility)) on the SKILLCOURT system. Performance was correlated to motor (sprint, jump), cognitive (executive functions, attention, reaction speed) and football specific tests (Loughborough soccer passing test (LSPT)) as well as indirect game metrics (coaches' rating, playing time). Reactive agility performance showed moderate correlations to attention and choice reaction times (r=0.48-0.63), as well as to the LSPT (r=0.51). The dual-task agility test revealed moderate relationships with attention and reaction speed (r=0.47-0.58), executive functions (r=0.45-0.63), as well as the game metrics (r=0.51-0.61). Finally, the dual-task agility test significantly differentiated players based on their coaches' rating and playing time using a median split (p<0.05; d=0.8-1.28). Motor-cognitive agility performance in elite youth football players seems to be primarily determined by cognitive functions. The integration of multiple object tracking into reactive agility testing seems to be an ecologically valid approach for performance diagnostics in youth football.

Test-Retest Reliability and Visual Perturbation Performance Costs During 2 Reactive Agility Tasks.

High secondary injury rates after orthopedic surgeries have motivated concern toward the construct validity of return-to-sport test batteries, as it is evident that common strength and functional assessments fail to elicit pertinent behaviors like visual search and reactive decision making. This study aimed to establish the test-retest reliability of 2 reactive agility tasks and evaluate the impact of visual perturbation on physical performance. Fourteen physically active individuals completed 2 agility tasks with reaction time (ie,4 corner agility), working memory, and pathfinding (ie,color recall) components. Participants completed both tasks 4 times in 2 sessions scheduled 7days apart. Outcomes included performance metrics of reaction time, time to target, number of targets, and total time assessed with reactive training timing gates. To assess test-retest reliability, we used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). Stroboscopic goggles induced visual perturbation during the fourth trial of each task. To assess the effect of visual perturbation, we used paired t tests and calculated performance costs. The 4-corner agility task demonstrated excellent reliability with respect to reaction time (ICC3,1 = .907, SEM = 0.13, MDC = 0.35s); time to light (ICC3,1 = .935, SEM = 0.07, MDC = 0.18s); and number of lights (ICC3,1 = .800, SEM = 0.24, MDC = 0.66 lights). The color recall task demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest reliability for time to lights (ICC3,1 = .818-.953, SEM = 0.07-0.27, MDC = 0.19-0.74s); test time (ICC3,1 = .969, SEM = 5.43, MDC = 15.04s); and errors (ICC3,1 = .882, SEM = 0.19, MDC = 0.53 errors). Visual perturbation resulted in increased time to target (P = .022-.011), number of targets (P = .039), and total test time (P = .013) representing moderate magnitude degradation of performance (d = 0.55-0.87, performance costs = 5%-12%). Both tasks demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability. Performance degraded on both tasks with the presence of visual perturbation. These results suggest standardized reactive agility tasks are reliable and could be developed as components of dynamic RTS testing.

Cutting Technique Modification: A Way to Improve Movement Quality and Develop Agility in Youth?

Abstract Thieschäfer, L, Dos’Santos, T, and Büsch, D. Cutting technique modification: a way to improve movement quality and develop agility in youth? J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1596–1606, 2024—High-quality cutting technique is essential for agility development and safer cuttings in adolescent athletes. Certain sidestep techniques and kinematics are characteristic of high movement quality and are associated with both, faster performance and lower knee joint loading (i.e., reduced anterior cruciate ligament injury risk). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week, side step, technique modification training intervention targeting specific kinematics on agility performance and movement quality. Twenty-two adolescent American football players were recruited for a nonrandomized, controlled, intervention study. For 6 weeks, an intervention group (IG) of 11 players participated in 25-minute cutting technique training sessions integrated into team training twice a week, whereas a control group (CG) of 11 players continued their usual training routine. Agility performance was assessed based on percentage-based change of direction deficit (CODDp) obtained during reactive agility tests at 45° and 90° angles. The Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) qualitative screening tool was used to assess 2D high-speed videos of the cuts for movement quality. The significance level was set at α = 0.01. The intervention effectively altered players' sidestep technique irrespective of cutting angle with large time × group interaction effects observed for CMAS ( = 0.82). Statistical and practical significant improvements in CMAS pre-to-post intervention were evident in the IG (−2.30 ≤ g ≤ −1.75; 313.87 ≤ BF10 ≤ 2,342.00), whereas deteriorations were found in the CG for 90° (g = 1.38; BF10 = 64.21). However, in both groups, no statistically significant differences in CODDp were observed pre-to-post intervention (0.019 ≤ p ≤ 0.586; 0.34 ≤ BF10 ≤ 3.59). The cutting technique modification training meaningfully improved movement quality, without negatively affecting agility performance, and can be used by practitioners to foster a safe technical foundation for subsequent agility development in adolescent athletes.

The Validation of the Defensive Reactive Agility Test in Top-Level Volleyball Male Players: A New Approach to Evaluating Slide Speed Using Witty SEM

Aim: The aim of the study is to provide a new tool to measure the level of defensive agility objectively. Methods: The sample included 14 elite male volleyball players of the University of Nitra club (22.3 ± 5.7 years). Measurements consisted of body height (BH); body weight (BM); body mass index (BMI), and the defensive agility test (DRAT (test-retest)) with an interval of one week between the two tests using an electronic timer (Witty photocell) and Witty SEM lights (Microgate, ITA). The validation included assessing the equality of mean values in the test and retest (t-Student), effect sizes with Cohen’s d, analysis of variance (ANOVA), intraclass correlation coefficient determinations (ICC model), and random intercept correlation (Φ). Results: The results indicated no significant differences in both tests except for left movement (p = 0.0255). The ICC value of the test time was statistically significant (0.91); standard error of measurement (SEM = 0.02); repeatability coefficient (RC = 0.20); minimal difference (MD = 0.04). Effect sizes were trivial to small (d = ˂−0.05–0.17&gt;; right), medium (d = 0.35; backward) a large (d = −0.67; left). Conclusions: The DRAT test showed excellent reliability in total time (ICC = 0.91). Validation of the DRAT test’s consistency, reliability, accuracy and validity can help coaches make decisions about evaluating and monitoring defensive reactive agility performance in sports games.

Design validity of interval and plyometric training programs for simultaneous increases in VO2 max, reactive agility, power in basketball: Aiken validity

Design validity of interval and plyometric training programs for simultaneous increases in VO2 max, reactive agility, power in basketball: Aiken validity

Evaluating Agility in Pre-Adolescent Basketball: A Comparative Analysis of CODAT, IAT, and RAT

Background: In basketball, agility is essential, characterized by the ability to change direction swiftly and accelerate. Traditional tests like the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) and the Reactive Agility Test (RAT) may not fully capture the agility demands specific to basketball. Purpose: This study aimed to introduce the Change of Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT), designed specifically for young basketball players. It evaluates CODAT’s effectiveness by comparing it with IAT and RAT through comprehensive analysis. Methods: We assessed 87 pre-adolescent male basketball players, aged 9 to 13 years, with an average biological age of 11.2 years and an average estimated Peak Height Velocity (PHV) of 12.5 ± 0.5 years, using CODAT, IAT, and RAT. We employed regression analysis and the Bland–Altman method to determine CODAT’s reliability and validity. Results: The findings indicate that CODAT offers superior reliability and validity in measuring basketball-specific agility. Consistent scores highlight its potential as an effective tool for agility assessment in basketball training and talent identification. Conclusions: CODAT represents a significant advancement in agility assessment for young basketball players, advocating for its integration into sports science practices to better address the specialized demands of basketball agility.

Improving Agility and Reactive Agility in Basketball Players U14 and U16 by Implementing Fitlight Technology in the Sports Training Process

The main aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of the implementation of Fitlight technology in the process of sports training and motor assessment on the improvement in agility and reactive agility of junior basketball players. The age groups studied were under-14 (U14) and under-16 (U16). This study included 70 male basketball athletes, structured in two experimental groups: U14 (18 subjects) and U16 (17 subjects); two control groups: U14 (18 subjects) and U16 (17 subjects). Arithmetic averages of the anthropometric characteristics of the subject groups: experimental group U14: height 172.89 cm, weight 58.22 kg, BMI 19.56; control group U14: height 165.44 cm, weight 50.17 kg, BMI 18.53; experimental group U16: height 179.94 cm, weight 70.82 kg, BMI 20.35; control group U16: height 183.88 cm, weight 73.41 kg, BMI 20.83. An 18-week experimental program that integrates Fitlight technology in order to develop coordination and agility skills and corrective agility was implemented in the experimental groups. This study included six tests: T agility test, T agility test with ball, reactive T agility test, reactive T agility test with ball, Illinois agility test, and Illinois agility test with ball. The results of this study showed statistically significant progress between the initial and final testing for the experimental group, p &lt; 0.05. The Cohen’s values of the experimental groups were above 0.8, which denotes a large effect size; for the control group, these sizes were small and medium. The comparative analysis of the experimental and control groups, U14 and U16, highlights significant statistical differences in favor of the experimental groups, for all the agility tests of this study. This study highlights the effectiveness of incorporating advanced training tools like Fitlight in sports training, particularly for young basketball players. This approach surpasses traditional methods in enhancing agility, suggesting a paradigm shift towards technology-integrated training in sports.

Cognitive and Motor Capacities Are Poorly Correlated with Agility in Early Pubertal Children: Gender-Stratified Analysis

This research aimed to identify relations of cognitive and power capacities with reactive agility in pubescent boys (n = 55) and girls (n = 46). Cognitive abilities were evaluated by the Stroop test, while the BlazePod system was used to evaluate agility performance conducting 20 yard shuttle and triangle tests of non-reactive (TCODS) and reactive agility (TRAG), respectively. Performance in jumping power was assessed through the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DHJ) utilising the Opto Jump system (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), while sprinting ability over distances of 10 and 20 m was measured using a photocells system. A principal component was extracted from the four Stroop test variables using factor analysis. Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted separately for boys and girls to evaluate the multivariate relationships among the predictors and the criterion. Among boys, 80% of the TRAG variance was explained (MultipleR = 0.9), with TCODS and SJ as significant predictors (β = 0.53 and −1.01, respectively). For girls, the TCODS was the significant predictor (β = 0.65), explaining 43% of the variance (MultipleR = 0.65). These results show that (i) cognitive abilities measured with the Stroop test were not a reliable tool for predicting TRAG, (ii) jumping power was a significant predictor of TRAG in boys, and (iii) TCODS was a significant predictor of TRAG in girls. The findings indicated that cognitive abilities do not significantly influence reactive agility in pubescent children. It seems that power features have a greater influence on reactive agility, particularly in boys who have more developed motor skills at this age compared to girls.

SAQ training on sprint, change-of-direction speed, and agility in U-20 female football players.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training on performance changes in linear sprint speed, change-of-direction (COD) speed, and reactive agility of U-20 female football players. Nineteen female football players randomly served as either experimental (n = 9) or control groups (n = 10). The players were tested for physical fitness tests: linear sprint speed including both short and long distances (5- and 10-m sprints without a ball and 20- and 30-m sprints with and without dribbling), COD speed (arrowhead agility test with and without dribbling a ball, Southeast Missouri [SEMO] agility test, and 22-m repeated slalom dribbling test), and reactive agility. Significant group × time interactions were observed for sprint over long distances and COD speed but not for short sprint and reactive agility performances. Paired t-tests revealed considerable improvements in all performances from the pre-test to post-test for the SAQ group, except for the arrowhead agility (left; p = .07). The control group only exhibited significant improvements in 10-m sprint performance after general football training. Eight weeks of SAQ training were effective at enhancing acceleration, maximum sprint speed, and agility performances amongst highly trained U-20 female football players.

Effects of six-week stroboscopic training program on visuomotor reaction speed in goal-directed movements in young volleyball players: a study focusing on agility performance

BackgroundIn team sports, deficits in visuomotor reaction speed are considered a significant and modifiable risk factor that can lead to decreased performance and an increased risk of injuries. Thus, identifying effective methods to enhance visuomotor abilities is crucial. The main objective of this research was to investigate the impact of a six-week stroboscopic intervention on visuomotor reaction speed in goal-directed specific movements based on agility among young volleyball players. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the impact of saccade dynamics on visuomotor reaction speed performance throughout the experiment.MethodsThere were 50 athletes (26 males and 24 females) with an average age of 16.5 years (± 0.6) who participated in this study. Over a six-week training period, athletes performed volleyball-specific training either wearing stroboscopic glasses (intervention) or under normal visual conditions (control). Prior to and after the training period, the agility tests based on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA) were used to identify visuomotor reaction speed performance. To measure agility performance a five-repetition shuttle run to gates was conducted. The REAC-INDEX, which represents visuomotor reaction speed, was analyzed as the resulting difference between the CODS test and the RA test. To elicit saccadic dynamics, a laboratory visual search task was performed.ResultsA significant GROUP×TIME interaction was observed for the REAC-INDEX (p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.13). ANCOVA analyses revealed significant GROUP differences, indicating improved post-training REAC-INDEX results (p = 0.004, d = 0.87), regardless of gender. Training-induced modulations in saccade acceleration did not reach significance, but a significant relationship was observed between changes in saccade acceleration and changes in the REAC-INDEX (r = -0.281, p = 0.048), indicating that higher performance gains following training were associated with a stronger increase in saccade acceleration.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that stroboscopic training effectively enhances visuomotor reaction speed in goal-directed movements based on agility. Furthermore, visuomotor reaction speed gains could potentially be mediated by saccade dynamics. These findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of stroboscopic eyewear for training sport-specific visuomotor skills among young volleyball players.

THE EFFECT OF LEG STIFFNESS ON REACTIVE AGILITY, JUMPING AND SPEED IN GYMNASTICS ATHLETES

In reviewing the literature, it was decided to conduct this study due to the lack of studies investigating the influence of leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jumping power and speed in gymnasts. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gymnasts' leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jump and speed. For this purpose, 65 gymnastics athletes aged 12-22 years were included in the study. The drop jump test (with Optojump measuring device) was used to evaluate the jump, and the vertical jump test (Optojump measuring device) for the evaluation of leg stiffness, while the 20m sprint test (with Witty measuring device) was made for speed evaluation. The measurements of reactive agility were performed with the SpeedCourt™. As a result of our study, we found a moderate positive correlation between the leg stiffness values and the reactive strength index (RSI) values obtained from the gymnastics athletes' jump tests. In addition, we found a negative relationship at a low level between speed and agility with leg stiffness values. It can be concluded that increasing gymnasts' leg stiffness contributes positively to jumping power, speed and reactive agility. In this case, it is recommended to include plyometric exercises in the training programs to improve the leg stiffness of trampoline gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts and artistic gymnasts who focus on jumping.

Differences in the recovery response from high-intensity and high-volume resistance exercise on force, reactive agility, and cognitive function

PurposeThis study compared the recovery response of physical performance and cognitive function between high volume, low intensity (HV) and high intensity, low volume (HI) resistance training in resistance trained men.MethodsEight recreationally resistance trained men (27.8 ± 1.6 y; 85.5 ± 11.2 kg; 178.4 ± 8.3 cm), with at least one-year of resistance training experience (6.4 ± 3.9 y) participated in this cross-over design study. Participants were randomly assigned to either HV (6-sets of 15–20 repetitions at 60% of the participant’s one-repetition maximum (1RM), 1-min rest between sets) or HI (6-sets of 3–5 repetitions at 90% 1RM, 3-min rest between sets). Following a one-week recovery period, participants reported back to the laboratory and performed the other training session. Cognitive function (SCAT5), physical performance (isometric mid-thigh pull), and reactive agility measures were assessed at baseline, immediately-post (IP) and at 30- (30P) and 60-minutes post-exercise.ResultsParametric analysis revealed no differences in peak force (p = 0.423), and the rate of force development at 200 ms (p = 0.827) and 250 ms (p = 0.797) between HI and HV. However, magnitude-based inference (MBI) analysis indicated that peak force was possibly decreased at 30P following HI and that reactive agility was likely negatively impacted at IP following HV. Friedman analysis indicated a significant decline (p = 0.035) in delayed memory during HV at IP and 30P.ConclusionsResults of this study indicate that participants engaging in HV resistance training are more susceptible to experiencing performance declines in reaction time and cognitive function than HI training. These findings shed light on differences in physical and cognitive function recovery from HI and HV training programs.

High-Intensity Interval Training Specific Programming: Effects on Wheelchair Tennis Players’ Reactive Agility

Background: The programming of wheelchair tennis physical exercises to improve reactive agility needs to be studied more deeply. The training method must be adjusted to the characteristics of the movement of the match technique, the energy system and the type of disability. The appropriate training method is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, HIIT is still common. Objectives: This study aims (1) to compile HIIT-specific programming, (2) to test the effectiveness of HIIT specific programming on reactive agility. Method: This is a research development with a 4D approach. The sample was 20 wheelchair tennis athletes, male and female, aged 28-36 years, weighing 60-70 kilograms. The material experts were eight nationally licensed trainers and two academics with Doctoral degrees in tennis scientific specifications. Instruments used in this study were spider run test and Guttman scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed by CVR and Friedman formulas. Stage (1) define, conducting a study of relevant articles as a basis for finding problems; stage (2) design, designing HITT specific programs, arranging questionnaires for material expert instruments; stage (3) development, refining program arrangement, and assessing programs, by experts, with Delphi techniques; stage (4) dissemination, disseminating programs and conducting effectiveness tests. Results: It is known that the assessment items from 10 material experts show the content validity of 1.00. It is known that the effectiveness test of significance value is 0.000 0.05. Conclusion: HITT specific program has good content validity, and the effectiveness test can be said to have a significant difference in increasing the reactive agility of wheelchair tennis athletes.

Effects of a 6-Week Agility Training Program on Emotional Intelligence and Attention Levels in Adolescent Tennis Players

Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence (EI) in pubertal tennis players. A total of 28 youth tennis players, aged 11 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP-G, n = 15, 13 boys [age = 13.34 ± 0.98 years, maturity offset (MO) = −0.19 ± 0.96], and 2 girls [age = 12.77 ± 0.23 years, MO = 0.78 ± 0.04]) or a control group (CON-G, n = 13, 8 boys [age = 13.37 ± 0.75 years, MO = 0.00 ± 0.71], and 5 girls [age = 13.50 ± 0.92 years, MO = 1.41 ± 1.07]). The EXP-G performed combined CoD and RA training across the 6-week intervention period. The CON-G continued with the normal five 20 min regular tennis-specific training sessions per week, including technical and tactical drills and a small-sided games format. The overall training volume was similar between groups. Pre- and post-training, Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC, [EC TOTAL: global score of emotional competence level; EC INTRA: score of intra-personal emotional competence; EC INTER: score of inter-personal emotional competence]) and d2 attention tests were assessed. The present study employed an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test covariance to assess between-group differences (EXP-G vs. CON-G) at the post-test phase, utilizing baseline values as covariates. Noteworthy outcomes were observed, indicating statistically significant and substantial between-group disparities at post-test for various measures. Specifically, these differences were evident in the attention domain (effect size, d = 1.08 [Large], p = 0.001), the EC TOTAL test (effect size, d = 0.70 [Medium], p = 0.017), the EC INTA (effect size, d = 1.35 [Large], p = 0.001), and the EC INTER (effect size, d = 0.83 [Large], p = 0.009) tests. Due to the importance of agility training for overall competitive performance in tennis, our results suggest that young players should perform such training programs as part of conditioning training if the goal is to improve emotional intelligence and mental well-being.