Reactive agility-evidence based suggestions for improvement.

PURPOSE: To examine the contributions of lower-limb eccentric strength, reactive strength, and cognitive inhibitory control to reactive agility performance.

METHODS

Forty-five healthy, physically active males (21.3 ± 3.5 years) performed eccentric and isometric strength testing of knee flexors and extensors (Biodex dynamometer), 30 cm drop jumps for reactive strength, and a computerized Stroop task (EncephalApp) for cognitive performance. Reactive agility was assessed via the Random Star Run (RSR) on the SKILLCOURT. Multiple linear regression analyzed associations of strength and cognitive performance outcomes with reactive agility.

RESULTS

Mean eccentric strength of the knee flexors (EccHam/kg) and extensors were 2.24 ± 0.44 and 4.07 ± 0.79 Nm·kg- 1; isometric strength was 1.71 ± 0.285 Nm·kg- 1 and 3.79 ± 0.751 Nm·kg- 1; RSR duration was 17.03 ± 1.36 s; Stroop Interference Score was 1.01 ± 1.07 s; Drop Jump height averaged 0.328 ± 0.058 m and ground contact time (DJ GCT) was 0.189 ± 0.024 s. Higher EccHam/kg, lower Stroop interference, and shorter DJ GCT predicted faster RSR performance (R 2 = .338, p < 0.05). Thirteen participants exceeded the upper tertile on at least two variables (EccHam/kg ≥ 2.5 Nm·kg- 1, Stroop ≤ 0.415 s, DJ GCT ≤ 0.174 s) and showed significantly faster RSR times and roughly doubled likelihood of above-average reactive agility performance (RSR ≤ 17 s; RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.17-3.54).

CONCLUSIONS

Reactive agility is enhanced by higher eccentric hamstring strength, superior cognitive inhibitory control, and fast stretch-shortening cycle execution. The identified cut-offs may serve as practical benchmarks for training programs targeting eccentric strength, cognitive control, and plyometric efficiency. These findings underscore the combined neuromuscular and cognitive determinants of reactive agility, warranting longitudinal studies to confirm causality.