Reliability, Training And De-training Effects Associated With The Dynavision Mode B Reaction Time Assessment

The Dynavision D2™ Mode B test (ModeB) is a 1-minute reaction time (RT) test that assesses an individual’s ability to react to a stimulus as it randomly changes position across 64 possible target buttons arranged into 5 concentric circles within 4x4 foot board. The ModeB test is commonly used in sports science research and clinical rehabilitation; however, there is limited data regarding the effect of repeated testing (i.e., training) or subsequent periods of no testing (i.e., detraining) on test–retest reliability and RT performance. PURPOSE: To examine the test–retest reliability, training, and detraining effects associated with the D2™ ModeB test. METHODS: Twenty-six recreationally active men and women completed 15 training sessions consisting of 2 ModeB tests per session (30 tests). Participants were then randomized to either 1 or 2 weeks of detraining prior to completing 15 retraining sessions (30 tests). The training and retraining periods were separated into 10 blocks for analysis (3 tests per block). The number of hits, misses and the average RT per hit (AvgRT) within each block were used to determine RT performance. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and covariance (block 10 as covariate) were used to determine training and detraining effects, respectively. Training and detraining effects were further analyzed using Helmert Contrasts, comparing the mean of each level of the factor (ie, block) to the mean of the subsequent levels. Intraclass correlation coefficients, SEM, and minimum difference were used to determine reliability. RESULTS: Significant improvements in hits (within training blocks 1 to 8), misses (within training blocks 1 to 7) and AvgRT (within training blocks 1 to 6) were observed (p’s < .05). There was no significant effect of detraining period on ModeB performance and no further significant improvements in hits, misses or AvgRT were noted during retraining. Reliability between training blocks 9 and 10 was excellent for hits (ICC2,1 = .968, SEM = 1.940, MD = 5.377), misses (ICC2,1 = .902, SEM = 1.200, MD = 3.326) and AvgRT (ICC2,1 = .958, SEM = .011, MD = .032). CONCLUSION: It appears that 24 tests are necessary to overcome the training effect and establish reliable baseline performance for the ModeB test. Detraining for 1 to 2 weeks does not appear to impact RT performance.