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A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
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The Effects of Agility Ladders on Performance: A Systematic Review
José Afonso1, Israel Teoldo da Costa2, Miguel Camões3,4
1Centre for Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 13, 2020
Summary
Agility ladder training research is limited and lacks detail, making it difficult to confirm its effectiveness for improving physical skills. More rigorous studies are needed to support claims about agility ladder benefits.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Agility ladder drills are widely used in sports training.
- There is a need to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of agility ladder exercises.
- To assess the quality of existing research on agility ladder drills.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized trials and randomized controlled trials.
- Searches conducted in major scientific databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool.
Main Results:
- Only five studies met the inclusion criteria, with durations of 4-8 weeks.
- Most studies had a low risk of bias but poorly described protocols.
- Few studies assessed multiple performance dimensions, limiting reproducibility.
- Evidence for agility ladders improving agility and other skills is currently insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Current research on agility ladder drills is scarce and methodologically limited.
- Poorly described protocols and unidimensional measures hinder definitive conclusions.
- Claims of significant benefits from agility ladder training are premature.
