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.

Keywords

Agility Core endurance reaction time amateur badminton players

1 Introduction

Badminton is one of the most commonly played sports globally which needs a constant analysis of the altering situations on the court, suggesting that the player needs to react accurately and swiftly, constantly upgrading the assessment and anticipation skills [1]. Regular training of sports activity improves health and physical well-being by increasing muscle strength, attentiveness, sensory development, muscle coordination, speed and stamina [1]. That is the reason why experienced badminton players have the ability to react speedily to the circumstances and predict the opponent’s move during a match. A quick and powerful smash with agile footwork is an essential component of Badminton [2] in which players have to modify their positions, constantly and quickly, in order to hit the moving shuttlecock [3].

Reaction time is defined as the time period which elapses in between the occurrence of a stimulus and initiation of the movement [3]. It is found to be altered by many factors which can either be physiological or pharmacological or both [4]. Commonly assessed reaction times are: a) Simple reaction time- single stimulus and single response. b) Recognition reaction time - many stimuli from which some of them get the response and others do not and c) Choice reaction time: multiple stimuli will get multiple responses [5 –7]. Simple visual reaction time plays a key component in badminton because the player has to quickly respond and execute the shots [6]. Anew computer-based task for testing reaction time is developed and named as Deary-Liewald software [5], wherein the participants have to press a key as a response to a single stimulus and simple reaction time (SRT) is measured. Its reliability was found to be high with Cronbach’s alpha 0.94 for SRT [5].

Agility is defined as rapid whole body movement with change of velocity and direction in response to stimuli, crucial for excellent performance in badminton competitions [3, 8]. T-Test is a simple running test for measuring agility which includes forward, lateral as well as backward movements appropriate for many of the sports and mimics closely to the fast movements in badminton. Its reliability is r = 0.94 [9]. In agility, lower limb strength and speed are considered as necessary elements to perform finer, in numerous game plays as well as competitive activities [10, 11].

The core muscles help in maintaining stability of vertebral column and pelvic girdle which transfers energy from major to minor parts of the body in numerous sport activities [12, 13] Core endurance is an ability to maintain low level of support for the entire time an individual exercise to stabilize the spine [14]. The prone bridge manoeuvre or plank was observed as a substitute for curl ups in evaluating performance of trunk muscles, since it removes the stress of forceful flexion of spine. Its reliability was also found to be r = 0.91 [12]. The sport specific endurance plank test is valid as well as practically used method for assessment of endurance capacity of core muscle in players for effective improvement [13].

Taking into consideration that reaction time, agility and core strength are important factors for badminton; it has been thought that there may be some correlation in these factors. These components play a key role for an accurate shot in badminton. Thus, the objectives of this study were (i) to assess the agility, core endurance and reaction time of adolescent and young adult amateur male badminton players and (ii) to explore the association between agility and core endurance with visual reaction time.

2 Materials and methods

An observational analytical study was done in the various Badminton Clubs in Pune, India. Institutional Ethical Committee clearance of Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune was taken prior to the study (DPU/IEC/32/2020). A non- probability convenient sampling was done and amateur male badminton players between 12–25 years, with no injury, pain or discomfort in past 6 months were selected during October 2020 to March 2021. Written informed consent from the adult players and informed assent from the coaches of the adolescent players was taken. The sample size was set as 90, by setting 5% significance level, 90% power and 4.1 as effect size.

2.1 Procedure

The players were divided in 2 groups based on their age as: adolescent players from 12 to 17 years and young adult players from 18 to 25 years for the purpose of analysis. Agility was tested by T test; core endurance by plank test and reaction time by Deary-Liewald reaction time task. Every test was performed for one session. Each participant received the same instructions for each test and was measured by a single tester.

Agility was assessed using T Test which was explained to all the subjects. Each subject stood behind cone A. With command ‘GO’, timer was started and subject began from cone A to cone B and touched the bottom of cone. Then he sprinted towards left side i.e., cone C and touched its bottom. Then he sprinted towards right side i.e., cone D and touched its bottom. Player again sprinted towards cone B and touched its base and back to cone A. Time was ceased as soon as the subject reached cone A^.[3, 11].

The Core endurance was assessed using Prone Bridge test. Photograph of a prone bridge was shown to the player and the procedure was explained. The player obtained the prone position propped on the elbows. Elbows were placed at shoulder width apart. Feet were planted with narrow base but not touching. Pelvis was elevated from the floor. Only the forearm and the toes were in contact to the ground. Stopwatch was started as soon as the player obtained this position and was asked to hold it as much time as he can. In case if there was any deviation, the subject was warned for maximum of 3 times. As soon as the subject was not able to hold the position, in spite of the warnings, the time was stopped and recorded [11, 12].

Reaction time was assessed using Deary-Liewald reaction time task –version 3.0. The program was started on a laptop and the name of the participant was entered. A white box appeared approximately at the center of the computer display, placed on a blue backdrop. As soon as the test was started, a diagonal cross appeared within square. Participants responded by pressing key as rapidly as possible. Once the trial test was done, the final test with 20 trials was started and the test was completed [5].

2.2 Statistical methods

Statistical analysis for the present study was done using SPSS software version 23.Pearson correlation test was used for correlation analysis between agility and reaction time and also between core endurance and reaction time. Normality distribution was tested using Kolmogorov Normality Test that depicted non normal distribution among both groups; hence Mann Whitney test was used for between group analysis of adolescents and young adults for agility, core endurance and reaction time values. Significance level was set at 5%.

3 Results

Forty-five adolescent players with mean age of 13.4 years±1.33 years and 45 young adult players with mean age 22.32±2.14 years were included in the study. On average, the adolescents played badminton for about 2.5 years while adults played for 3 years.

The between group analysis of agility, between the adolescents (mean = 13.58±2.38 s) and adult players (mean = 13.93±2.19 s) depicts no statistical difference (p = 0.475; 95% C.I. for OR: –1.304–0.612).With respect to reaction time also, difference between the adolescents (mean = 315.48±43.24 ms) and adult players (mean = 326.46±51.90 ms) was statistically insignificant (p = 0.278; 95% CI for OR 30.996–9.027).However, the core endurance of adolescents (mean = 117.24±77.97 s) was significantly better than the adult players (mean = 68.07±34.31 s, p = 0.001; 95% CI for OR 23.936–74.406)

In the adolescent players, the reaction time has a significant positive correlation with agility (p = 0.005, significant at 5% linear association) while a non-significant negative correlation with core endurance (p = 0.059).

Among the young adults, there was a non-significant positive correlation seen (p = 0.590) with agility while a non-significant negative correlation was seen with core endurance. (p = 0.077)

The correlation between reaction time with agility and core endurance for the entire sample population shows a significant positive correlation of reaction time with agility (p = 0.021, significant at 5%, linear association)and a significant negative correlation with core endurance (p = 0.009, significant at 5% linear association)

4 Discussion

The purpose of the present study was to explore the association between agility, core endurance with reaction time in amateur badminton players and the results showed a significant positive correlation in agility with visual reaction time in the badminton players. It indicates faster agility correlates with a quicker reaction time.

Our results are in accordance with the results observed by Wong et al. [3] who stated that there is use of eye hand coordination while performing a test of reaction time, while playing and while reacting to the shuttle. In their study they concluded that there is relationship of eye hand coordination and agility in badminton players. This suggests that if the shuttle comes in any direction, the reaction of the player has to be quick too to hit the shuttle in any direction by moving to right, left, front and back [3 , 16]. Agility is the ability of rapid shifting movements which is required in any sports. It also shows the capability of a sports player to respond to the stimulus which is equivalent to the reaction time. Hence the relationship of these two factors is important. A player who has a good agility will also react faster [18]. These reactive actions are also combined with offensive and defensive actions, which include acceleration, stopping and deceleration phases, which need quicker and swift movements, that directly depend upon the reaction time required to respond to a stimulus [19].

The study also demonstrated a negative correlation between reaction time and core endurance in the badminton players. It indicates that as the core endurance reduces i.e. the less time the player is holding the test, the reaction time increases i.e. it becomes slower. According to Santos, et al.[17], the athletes with higher core endurance had a better quality of movement while playing badminton. This suggests that while playing badminton, the movements require strong core muscles to perform and thereby give a powerful smash or shot. Core muscles are the necessary group of muscles which are required for the quicker actions during the play. The literature also suggests that a weak core is one of the reasons for lower limb sports injuries as well and is related to bad performance. It forms the centre of the entire kinetic chain of the lower body without which, the extremity performance does get affected [16, 17]. Core Muscles and its role in sports has been widely researched and these muscles are the centre of the kinetic chain connecting the lower and the upper body with the spine, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining stability, coordination and balance. A weak core combined with strong extremity muscles might lead to imbalance and fatigue, indirectly reducing the sports performance. When a rapid extremity movement is performed, a feedforward mechanism exists in the core muscles where the Transverses Abdominis Muscle contracts initially followed by the action of those extremity muscles necessary to do the swift and rapid movement [20]. Thus a strong core influences the rapid movement, which might indirectly influence the reaction time as proven by the present study.

The present study also showed there were not many differences between adolescents and adult badminton players in terms of agility and reaction time. This might be because, in this study, the total years of badminton practise or playing sport was almost equal in both the groups. This might have caused adaptability in terms of agility and reaction time, making them faster and swift in changing the directions rapidly while performing the tests. The core endurance was found to be better in the adolescent players compared to the adult players. The attention span among children and adolescents has been found to be better than adults, which indirectly influences their cognition as well [21]. This affects the performance of any test wherein a long lasting and better attention is given to complete it. Physical differences in terms of muscle mass and fat mass also does play a role in performance, but the assessment of these differences was beyond the scope of the study

There was no statistically significant difference in reaction time in both the adolescents and adult groups, although the reaction time in adolescents was comparatively faster than young adults. According to Deary, et al, [5] reaction time shows marked slowing from age of young adulthood, increasing progressively in middle adulthood. It suggests that as the age progresses, individuals take more time to react to the shuttle compared to adolescents. The human reaction time slows as the age progresses at a rate of 2–6 ms every 10 years [22 –24].

The grey matter volume, white matter integrity and the capacity of recruiting new motor units, in demand to newer tasks, decline with increasing age. This further hampers the ability of sensorimotor processing and timely responding it [22 –25].

It was also seen in our study that there was no significant difference in agility in both groups although comparatively it is better in adolescents compared to young adults. Coaching at the younger age group is more efficient and oriented as the goal is clear [24]. There is a good ability to peruse a new skill and execute it into the daily practice in adolescents compared to adults [24]. There are also factors like fear of fall and low physical activity in young adults and adolescents. Young adults have more fear of fall compared to adolescent players [19]. There is also a low physical activity in amateur young adults compared to adolescents due to other factors like work, busy schedule and sedentary life style which effects overall physical performance including strength, flexibility and endurance, indirectly influencing agility and reaction time [19].

4.1 Limitations

Evaluation was done after the coaching so it might have altered the readings due to fatigue. The test used for measuring reaction time also was taken in a seated position, consisting of hand movements only which also might have given statistically insignificant results.

The present study has highlighted the fact that in amateur badminton players, core endurance and agility training should be taken in to consideration while training them. Tests which measure on field, real time or lower limb reaction time can also be used for such players in future research.

5 Conclusion

This study concluded that there is a correlation between agility and core endurance with visual reaction time in amateur male badminton players in such a way that badminton players with a weak core will have slower reaction time and those having a fast agility will be quick to respond.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Mr. Prasad Daddikar for his expertise and assistance in data analysis of this study.

Conflict of interest

None.

Funding

None.

Annexure I:

Table 4

Correlation of Agility and Core Endurance with visual reaction time for entire sample population –

Variable 1	Variable 2	r-value	p-value	Result
Reaction Time	T Test	0.244	0.021*	Significant at 5% Linear association
Prone Bridge Test	–0.272	0.009*	Significant at 5% Non-Linear association

*p value significant.

References

Bańkosz

, Henryk

, Marcin

. Assessment of Simple Reaction Time in Badminton Players, Trends in Sports Sciences 2013;1(20):54–61.

Dube

, Mungal

, Kulkarni

. Simple visual reaction time in badminton players: a comparative study, National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2015;5(1):18.

Wong

, Ma

, Liu

, Chung

, Bae

, Fong

, Ganesan

, Wang

. Balance control, agility, eye–hand coordination, and sport performance of amateur badminton players: A cross-sectional study, Medicine. 2019;98(2).

AĞAOĞLU

, ERGİIN

. Analysis of agility, reaction time and balance variables at badminton players aged 9-14 years International Journal of Sport Exercise and Training Science 2017;3(4):109–19.

Deary

, Liewald

, Nissan

. A free, easy-to-use, computer-based simple and four-choice reaction time programme: the Deary-Liewald reaction time task, Behavior Research Methods 2011;43(1):258–68.

Vidja

, Bhabhor

, Sarvaiya

, Patel

, Joshi

. Long term playing of badminton improves the visual reaction time, Age (years) 2015;26:7–33.

Gavkare Ajay

, Surdi Anil

, Nanaware Neeta

. Auditory ReactionTime, Visual Reaction Time and Whole Body Reaction Time in Athletes, Indian Medical Gazette. 2013;147(6):214–19.

Sheppard

, Young

. Agility literature review: Classifications, training and testing. Journal of Sports Sciences 2006;24(9):919–32.

Pauole

, Madole

, Garhammer

, Lacourse

, Rozenek

. Reliability and validity of the T-test as a measure of agility, leg power, and leg speed in college-aged men and women, The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 2000;14(4):443–50.

10.

Motimath

, Mahajan

, Chivate

. Correlation between core stability and scapulohumeral rhythm in badminton player-An observational study, IJAR 2017;3(7):328–32.

11.

Reiman

, Manske

. Functional testing in human performance. Human kinetics; 2009.

12.

Bohannon

, Steffl

, Glenney

, Green

, Cashwell

, Prajerova

, Bunn

. The prone bridge test: Performance, validity, and reliability among older and younger adults, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2018;22(2):385–9.

13.

Tong

, Wu

, Nie

. Sport-specific endurance plank test for evaluation of global core muscle function, Physical Therapy in Sport 2014;15(1):58–63.

14.

Kibler

, Press

, Sciascia

. The role of core stability in athletic function, Sports Medicine 2006;36(3):189–98.

15.

Dane

, Hazar

, Tan

. Correlations between eye-hand reaction time and power of various muscles in badminton players, International Journal of Neuroscience 2008;118(3):349–54.

16.

Singh

, Raza

, Mohammad

. Physical characteristics and level of performance in badminton: a relationship study, Journal of Education and Practice 2011;2(5):6–10.

17.

Santos

, Behm

, Barbado

, DeSantana

, Silva-Grigoletto

, Edir

. Core Endurance Relationships With Athletic and Functional Performance in Inactive People, Frontiers in Physiology 2019;10:1490.

18.

Homoud

. Relationships between illinois agility test and reaction time in male athletes, The Swedish Journal of Scientific Research 2015;2(3):28–33.

19.

Yıldız

, Ates

, Gelen

, Cırak

, Bakıcı

, Sert

, Özkan

. The Relationship Between Reaction Time, Agility And Speed Performance In High-Level Soccer Players.

20.

Wada

, Kaneoka

, Takemura

, Yamamoto

, Ogaki

, Miyakawa

. The effect of core stability exercise on the reaction time of deep trunk muscles, Journal of Sports Science 2018;6:285–93.

21.

Savla

, Sangaonkar

, Palekar

. Correlation of core strength and agility in badminton players, IJAR 2020;6(12):383–7.

22.

Brukner

. Brukner& Khan’s clinical sports medicine. North Ryde: McGraw-Hill; 2012.

23.

Sonoda

, Tashiro

, Suzuki

, Kajiwara

, Zeidan

, Yokota

, Kawagoe

, Nakayama

, Bito

, Shimoura

, Tatsumi

. Relationship between agility and lower limb muscle strength, targeting university badminton players, Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2018;30(2):320–3.

24.

Chia-Smith

. Psychobiosocial states in competitive badminton: Similarities and differences between juniors, adolescents and adults, International Journal of Racket Sports Sciences 2019;1(2):49–60.

25.

Hardwick

, Forrence

, Costello

, Zackowski

, Haith

. Age-related increases in reaction time result from slower preparation, not delayed initiation. bioRxiv. 2021 Jan 1.