The Impact of an Eye-Hand Coordination Intervention in Experienced Older Table Tennis Players

Introduction: Sports Specific versus Generalised Vision Training (GVT) has been shown to lead to task-specific improvements in sport performance. However, more dynamic GVT in the form of sport specific Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC) training may impact upon key visual and performance characteristics. The present study assessed an eight week progressive EHC intervention using a Sport Vision Trainer (SVT™). Method: Seventeen male club level table tennis players (age 60.59±8.06yrs) (Intervention Group: IG), and fifteen age matched (57±4.7yrs) participants (Control Group: CG) participated. Training consisted of an eight week period of three x 20min sessions per week. Random practice sequences simulating rally variations in table tennis were administered, with progressive increases in difficulty. Post-task performance (EHC speed), visual search (VS: accuracy and speed) and sport specific performance test (SSPT) characteristics were assessed. Results: Controlling for baseline performance, ANCOVA revealed that IG post-task EHC performance and VS speed was significantly faster (p<0.05) than CG, whereas post-task VS accuracy was unaffected. Pre-post-SSPT improved significantly for IG. Conclusion: The improved IG EHC and visual search speed showed positive impact upon both the EHC task and to underlying cognitive functions. The IG improvement on the SSPT suggests transfer of these effects to sporting performance.