Influence of agility and core endurance on visual reaction time in amateur male badminton players

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Badminton depends on key factors like reaction time, agility and core endurance to deliver a powerful and precise stroke. The purpose of this study is to explore the associations between agility and core endurance on visual reaction time among adult male amateur badminton players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Amateur male badminton players between 12–25 years were recruited and assessed on visual reaction time, agility and core endurance using deary liewald reaction time software, T test and prone bridge test respectively. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the data for correlation while Mann Whitney U test was used to find the difference, if any, between the adolescent and adult players in terms of reaction time, agility and core endurance. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 23. RESULT: Ninety amateur male badminton players in the age group of 12–25 years were included in the study. Data analysis was done for adolescent players (n = 45 of 12–17 years) and young adult players (n = 45 of 17–25 years). A positive correlation was obtained between reaction time and agility in both adolescents’ and young adults and the entire population with r value 0.413, 0.082, and 0.244 respectively. A negative correlation was seen between reaction time and core endurance in adolescents, young adults and whole group with r value –0.283, –0.267, –0.272 respectively. CONCLUSION: Amateur badminton players who had good agility displayed faster reaction time while those having poor core endurance showed slower reaction time.