Effects of visual reaction training on sports performance in youth sprinters from a Miami Club
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Abstract
Introduction: Visual reaction training has gained importance as a strategy to optimise sports performance by improving perceptual, cognitive, and motor processes.
Objective: To analyse the effects of a visual reaction training program on the sports performance of young sprinters in a Miami club.
Methodology: Pre-experimental quantitative study, with a pretest-posttest design in a single group. 30 sprinter children (9–12 years old) completed an eight-week program (three sessions/week). Visual reaction time (FitLight Trainer®), visual attention (Trail Making Test A and B), visuomotor coordination (Beery VMI), and the 30 m sprint were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used.
Results: Significant improvements were found in all variables (p < 0.001). The visual reaction time decreased by 10.48%, the Trail Making Test A by 12.42%, the Trail Making Test B by 10.47%, and the 30m sprint by 3.28%, while visomotor coordination increased by 5.67%. The effect was large in all variables (r = 0.85–0.88).
Discussion: Visual reaction training promotes perceptual-cognitive adaptations with transfer to specific speed performance, aligning with recent evidence on visual training in young athletes.
Conclusions: Visual reaction training is an effective strategy for improving the performance of young sprinters and provides experimental evidence that justifies the inclusion of perceptual training in sports training programs.
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