Application of a Reactive Agility Training Program Using Light-Based Stimuli to Enhance the Physical and Cognitive Performance of Car Racing Drivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background There is a need to develop strategies that could contribute to the physical and mental preparation of motorsport athletes. A common method used by experienced motorsport athlete physical trainers is flashing light devices to train or assess reactive agility, despite limited evidence. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the effects of a 6-week reactive agility training program using light-based stimuli on the physiological and cognitive abilities of car racing drivers. Materials and Methods The CONSORT guidelines for randomized controlled trial were used. In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 24 car racing drivers (EXP, n = 12; CON, n = 12) performed a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests marketed specifically at motorsport athletes from Vienna test system (VTS) at rest or during moderate intensity exercise on a bicycle. Physiological abilities were determined via a maximal incremental cardio-respiratory treadmill test. Baseline and post-intervention tests were performed on three consecutive days. Participants in EXP underwent a 6-week intervention consisting of 60-min training sessions twice a week using the Witty SEM light stimulus. Results Participants in EXP but not in CON performed some of the VTS cognitive tasks with higher accuracy and/or shorter reaction time after the intervention at rest and during exercise. Car racing drivers performed the STROOP word-reading condition more accurately when the task was performed during the exercise vs. rest, regardless of group. In addition, the intervention induced beneficial changes in peak heart rate (HR), HR at gas exchange threshold, ventilation, and relative maximal oxygen consumption (rVO2 max). In contrast, body mass and fat mass increased, while peak HR and rVO2 max decreased in CON. Finally, participants in EXP improved their reactive agility performance and reaction time throughout the training program. Conclusion Overall, the reactive agility training program using light-based stimuli appeared to be efficient to induce beneficial effects on some physiological and cognitive performance measures; therefore, it may have the potential to contribute to car racing drivers’ physical and mental performance.

Strobe training as a visual training method that improves performance in climbing

“…We highlighted an evaluating protocol for climbers describing the setup of the semaphores and the evaluating tests. Witty SEM technology is a relatively new system that was previously used as an evaluation method ( 54 – 59 ) as well as a training method ( 60 ).…”

Feasibility of a novel neurofeedback system: a parallel randomized single-blinded pilot study

“…Cognitive abilities were identified using the Digit Span Backwards test and the VTS, which is a widely-used objective measure of various psychological constructs that appeared to have the potential to provide information on the effects of certain factors on athlete cognitive performance (for review see 47 ) even for car racing drivers 48 . Here, we selected and used 5 tests from a comprehensive cognitive test package of VTS to determine the effects of a 12-session computer-based cognitive training program using NT, nM, or nM sham (CON) on participants’ cognitive performance.…”

“…The Stroop test was used to examine the participants’ cognitive flexibility (or switching ability). The detailed explanation of the test is described by the distributor 45 and also in our previously published manuscript 48 . Briefly, two conditions were used without interfering influences (congruent stimuli) to determine baseline performance (BL) and were related to the two interference (IF) conditions i.e., (a) ”color naming interference” and (b) ”word reading interference” (incongruent stimuli).…”

“…The detailed explanation of the determination test is described elsewhere 45 , 48 . Briefly, it is used to evaluate participants’ reactive stress tolerance, attention, and reaction speed in situations requiring continuous, swift, and varying responses to rapidly changing visual, and acoustic stimuli.…”

A Scoping Review of the Physiological Profiles of Motorsport Drivers: Implications for Athlete Training

“…Undefined on-road racers. Seven studies (6)(7)(8)(9)23,26,39,53) reported on the anthropometric, strength, and physiologic measures of close-wheel athletes (n 5 65). However, the specific archetype of racing could not be identified to the best of the authors' ability.…”