INTRODUCTION:
Badminton requires not only technical proficiency and physical fitness but also exceptional agility and rapid reaction ability, particularly for novice players. Multi-directional footwork (“star-step” ) training is fundamental for developing quick directional changes and rapid acceleration during gameplay. To enhance training efficiency and reduce coaching workload, a Visual Reaction Movement Training System was developed to provide LED-based visual cues, automated performance recording, and intelligent monitoring. Evaluating the reliability of this system is crucial to ensure its trustworthiness as a measurement tool.
METHODS:
Ten elementary school badminton players (aged 9–11 years) with over one year of consistent training and no recent injury history participated in this study. Each player performed pre- and post-tests using the visual reaction training system, completing three repetitions at Point 1, with the best trial recorded. The system measured reaction time (RT), movement time (MT), and total reaction time (TRT). Reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) between pre- and post-tests, with the significance level set at α = 0.05.
RESULTS:
The results showed significant differences between groups in both visual reaction time and movement time, indicating that the experimental group achieved better performance outcomes. The total completion time (fixed mode) also differed significantly between groups. Reliability analysis revealed ICC values greater than 0.75, suggesting high repeatability and measurement consistency of the training system.
CONCLUSION:
The visual reaction movement training system demonstrated strong reliability and can serve as a valid instrument for assessing visual-motor performance in badminton players. Future studies should include participants of different ages, genders, and skill levels, as well as analyze performance across multiple directional points within the training system.