Reliability of the Cybex Reactor in the Assessment of an Agility Task

Abstract

Two studies were performed to estimate the reliability of the Cybex Reactor in assessing agility tasks. In Study 1, participants (n=13) underwent identical testing sessions twice in 1 week. In Study 2, participants (n= 13) underwent identical testing sessions twice in 1 week, once 3 weeks later, and once 6 weeks later. Testing sessions consisted of four identical agility tasks requiring participants to react to cues shown on a video monitor. In Study 1, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were .47 for Day 1 and .75 for Day 2 for time to complete each task. Participants performed faster on Day 2 (p <.05). In Study 2, ICC ranged from .58 to .83. ICC between sessions ranged from .59 to .73. Participants performed significantly faster each successive session except between Weeks 3 and 6 (p <.05). The Reactor appears to be reliable in assessing agility tasks with test–retest intervals of up to 6 weeks.

Comparison of a New Test For Agility and Skill in Soccer With Other Agility Tests

“…Similar to relevant literature, remarkably high test-retest values for the agility tests were obtained. For example, correlation values around 0.94 were observed for the T-drill ball test, which is higher than the results of other studies that measured the reliability of tests involving unplanned direction changes (Chelladurai et al, 1977; Docherty et al, 1988; Hertel et al, 1999; Pauole et al, 2000; Farrow et al, 2005). All agility and sprint tests produced correlation values that were acceptably reliable ( p > 0.85) for physical performance tests (Thomas and Nelson, 2001).…”

Agility Training for Experienced Athletes

“…A high level of CI, however, can overwhelm learners in the earlier stages of skill acquisition and can depress performance (7,10). As skillful movement is established and refined, it is advantageous for a performance coach to organize agility training sessions according to the level of performer (1,7,8,14).…”

“…As skillful movement is established and refined, it is advantageous for a performance coach to organize agility training sessions according to the level of performer (1,7,8,14). Contextual interference (CI) refers to the relative amount of interference created when integrating 2 or more tasks into a particular aspect of a training session (10).…”

“…Most of the literature that is focused on agility training employs testing that involves predetermined pattern running and planned changes of direction (4,8,13). However, the effectiveness of movement is primarily associated with an appropriate use of motor abilities specific to the perceived solution of a task presented by a dynamic interaction with the external environment.…”

Agility literature review: Classifications, training and testing

“…For this reason, the apparatus is unlikely to be valid in differentiating elite and nonelite sport performers. Hertel, Denegar, Johnson, Hale and Buckely (1999) assessed the reliability of a commercially available test apparatus for universal agility performancethe Cybex Reactor (Cybex Corp., Ronkonkoma, NY). The test device consists of 14 target sensors on the floor of the training facility.…”