The Impact of Perception-Action Training Devices on Quickness and Reaction Time in Female Volleyball Players

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a training program utilizing action perception technology (PAD) tools on improving the motor reaction times and neuromuscular capabilities of the upper and lower limbs compared to a traditional training program. Twenty-four female volleyball players competing in the Italian national championship were randomized into two groups of 12 athletes each: an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). A preliminary analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in age and anthropometric characteristics between the groups. All the players underwent an initial battery of tests (pre-test), including Reaction Time simple Upper and Lower Limb (RTsUL and RTsLL) and Tapping Upper and Lower Limb (TUL and TLL). During a 6-week training program, the experimental group used exercises with a technological system of illuminated disks, while the control group followed the traditional training methods without advanced technology. At the end of the program, both groups were subjected to final tests (post-test). The main results show that after 6 weeks, both groups improved their performance compared to the initial tests. However, EG achieved significantly better results than CG in every test, with significant reductions in average times (ip%) of -14.9% in RTsUL (DX = -0.072 s, t = 23.2, p < 0.05, d = 6.7), -14.9% in RTsLL (DX = -0.091 s, t = 44.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.7), -10.6% in TUL (DX = -0.622 s, t = 42.0, p < 0.05, d = 12.1), and -10.7% in TLL (DX = -0.983 s, t = 43.1, p < 0.05, d = 12.4). The use of light-based perception-action technology devices in volleyball training has shown potential for significantly improving movement speed and reaction time. However, further research is needed to determine whether these improvements actually translate into enhanced overall performance in competitive contexts compared to the traditional training methods.