Enhancing Lower-Limb Simple and Choice Reaction Time and Spatial Orientation in Junior Basketball Players by...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Motor Learning

Background:

• Reaction time and spatial orientation are crucial for basketball performance.
• Traditional training methods may not fully optimize these skills in young athletes.
• The integration of technology in sports training offers new avenues for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an 18-week Fitlight technology-based training program on lower limb reaction times and spatial orientation in U14 and U16 junior basketball players.
• To compare the impact of the training program on different age groups (U14 vs. U16).
• To assess the influence of visual stimuli-based training on reactive skills.

Main Methods:

• An experimental program using Fitlight technology was implemented over 18 weeks.
• Participants were divided into experimental and control groups for U14 and U16 categories.
• Lower Limb Reaction Test, Lower Limb Choice Reaction Test, and Spatial Orientation Reactive Test were used for evaluation.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with significance set at p < .05.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements (p < .05) in reaction times and spatial orientation were observed in the experimental groups.
• Very high effect sizes (Cohen's d > 1) indicate the practical significance of the improvements.
• U14 players showed the most relevant age-specific development in spatial orientation, while U16 players excelled in lower limb reaction time.

Conclusions:

• The Fitlight technology-based training program effectively enhances lower limb reaction time and spatial orientation in junior basketball players.
• Incorporating modern equipment like Fitlight technology positively impacts sports training outcomes.
• Age-specific benefits were noted, suggesting tailored training approaches for different developmental stages in young athletes.