Reactive agility—evidence based suggestions for improvement

Purpose: To examine the contributions of lower-limb eccentric strength, reactive strength, and cognitive inhibitory control to reactive agility performance. Methods: Forty-five healthy, physically active males (21.3 ± 3.5 years) performed eccentric and isometric strength testing of knee flexors and extensors (Biodex dynamometer), 30 cm drop jumps for reactive strength, and a computerized Stroop task (EncephalApp) for cognitive performance. Reactive agility was assessed via the Random Star Run (RSR) on the SKILLCOURT. Multiple linear regression analyzed associations of strength and cognitive performance outcomes with reactive agility. Results: , Stroop ≤ 0.415 s, DJ GCT ≤ 0.174 s) and showed significantly faster RSR times and roughly doubled likelihood of above-average reactive agility performance (RSR ≤ 17 s; RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.17-3.54). Conclusions: Reactive agility is enhanced by higher eccentric hamstring strength, superior cognitive inhibitory control, and fast stretch-shortening cycle execution. The identified cut-offs may serve as practical benchmarks for training programs targeting eccentric strength, cognitive control, and plyometric efficiency. These findings underscore the combined neuromuscular and cognitive determinants of reactive agility, warranting longitudinal studies to confirm causality.