Abstract / Summary
Abstract Perceptual-cognitive skills and rapid visuomotor responses are key determinants of performance in handball. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing these abilities in sport. The aim of this parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to evaluate the effects of an IVR-based hand–eye coordination training program on reaction time, cognitive processing speed, and tactical effectiveness in male youth handball players. A total of 24 players aged 12–15 years volunteered to participate and completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 12), which completed an 8-week IVR hand–eye coordination training program using the Rezzil Player exergame, or a control group (n = 12), which continued its regular handball training. Visual and auditory reaction times, cognitive processing speed assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and the Tactical Effectiveness Index (TEI) were evaluated. The findings revealed significant between-group differences in auditory reaction time (F (1,22) = 9.26; p = 0.005) and visual reaction time (F (1,22) = 4.25; p = 0.049), with the experimental group demonstrating faster responses than the control group following the intervention. Improvements in tactical effectiveness and SDMT performance were also observed in the experimental group; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the IVR-based hand–eye coordination training program positively influenced reaction time and tactical effectiveness in youth handball players, supporting the potential application of immersive technologies in talent development and performance enhancement. Trial registration: NCT07655999