Effects of stroboscopic visual training on reaction time and movement accuracy in collegiate athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of stroboscopic training on sport-specific performance in collegiate athletes and examined the moderating influence of key training parameters. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A random-effects model was applied for the meta-analysis, with separate analyses conducted for time-based and accuracy-based performance measures. Subgroup analyses investigated the moderating effects of training duration, frequency, session length, strobe frequency, duty cycle, athlete age, and training experience. Twelve randomized controlled trials involving 415 athletes met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis demonstrated that stroboscopic training had significant moderate effects on both time-based outcomes (SMD = -0.61, p = 0.045) and accuracy-based outcomes (SMD = 0.73, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses suggested that training protocols lasting 6-10 weeks, with 2-3 sessions per week and 10-20 min per session, were more effective in enhancing overall athletic performance. In terms of strobe parameters, frequencies of 5-20 Hz and duty cycles of 50-70% and 10-50% were associated with greater improvements in accuracy-based and time-based outcomes, respectively. Furthermore, adolescent athletes (10-18 years) exhibited more substantial gains in time-based performance, while those with 4-8 years of training experience achieved the greatest overall improvements. Stroboscopic training effectively enhances sport-specific performance in collegiate athletes. Protocols of 6-10 weeks, incorporating 2-3 weekly sessions of 10-20 min and strobe frequencies of 5-20 Hz, appear to provide the most comprehensive benefits. Optimal duty cycles may differ depending on performance type-50-70% for time-based outcomes and 10-50% for accuracy-based outcomes. These findings offer preliminary guidance for the practical application of stroboscopic training in athletic populations. However, given the limitations in study quality and sample size, further research is warranted to identify the most effective training configurations.