Reactive agility training selectively improves choice reaction and footwork-stroke performance in young male table tennis players: a randomized controlled trial.

Authors

Mingquan Zhang, Wenlong Zhang, Junye Tao, Yana Liu, Rui Jin, Xiao Xu

Published in

Frontiers in physiology. Volume 17. Pages 1903033. Epub Sep 11, 2026.

Abstract

This randomized controlled trial compared the task-specific effects of 6 weeks of QuickBoard-assisted reactive agility training (RAT) and pre-planned agility training (PPAT) in young male table tennis players.
Forty young male Chinese table tennis players were randomly allocated to RAT (n = 20) or PPAT (n = 20). Both groups trained three times per week for 45 min per session under matched training frequency, planned session duration, and session structure. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included foot speed, choice reaction time, planned change-of-direction performance, table tennis-specific reactive change-of-direction performance, stroke continuity, and an integrated footwork-stroke task requiring accurate ball placement under time pressure. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models including fixed effects for Group, Time, and their interaction.
Significant overall Time effects were observed for all six outcomes (p ≤ .029). Significant Group × Time interactions were identified for choice reaction time (p = .005, d = -0.65) and the Forehand Drive after Backhand Push Test (p = .049, d = 0.55). Bonferroni-adjusted simple-effects analyses showed significant pre-to-post improvements in the RAT group for both outcomes (both adjusted p < .001), whereas the corresponding changes in the PPAT group were not significant. However, adjusted between-group differences at post-test were not statistically significant. No significant Group × Time interactions were observed for foot speed, planned or reactive change-of-direction performance, or the Alternate Counter Test (p ≥ .074).
QuickBoard-assisted training was associated with broad improvements over time, whereas the additional benefits of RAT were task-specific. Stimulus-driven and decision-loaded training appeared particularly relevant to choice reaction performance and table tennis tasks requiring the integration of footwork, postural adjustment, and stroke execution under time pressure.

PMID:
42798353
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 26 Sep 2026.

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