Effect of dual task ladder training on physical function among badminton players

This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of six weeks of agility ladder training with different visuomotor integration modes on physical performance in adolescent badminton players. Thirty-six athletes were randomly assigned to a dual-task agility ladder group (ADG), a traditional sequential training group (TG), or a control group (CG). The ADG performed agility ladder drills concurrently with a reactive visuomotor task (tennis-ball catching), whereas the TG completed the same agility and reactive components in a sequential manner. Both intervention groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in 20-m sprint time, SEMO agility performance, and sport-specific change-of-direction ability (all p < 0.05). Notably, only the ADG showed a significant reduction in reaction time (p = 0.012). Between-group analyses of change scores revealed significant differences in sprint performance and reaction time (both p < 0.05), with the ADG demonstrating greater improvements compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed between ADG and TG for most physical outcomes. These findings suggest that while agility ladder training enhances general speed and agility, the simultaneous integration of a reactive visuomotor task may confer additional benefits for reaction performance. This ecologically oriented training approach provides a practical strategy for improving sensorimotor responsiveness in youth badminton players.