Development and feasibility of a badminton-specific square stepping exercise programme

Square-Stepping Exercise (SSE) is a low-cost multidirectional stepping activity; however, its systematic adaptation to badminton-specific training remains limited. This study aimed to develop and content-validate a badminton-specific Square-Stepping Exercise (bs-SSE) programme using the ADDIE framework and ACSM FITT principles, and to evaluate its pilot feasibility and exploratory physical outcomes. Five experts assessed a 10-item content-validity questionnaire. Thirteen amateur male badminton players entered a four-week, single-arm pilot intervention comprising 20 sessions, of whom 12 completed the programme. Agility, dynamic balance and ankle strength were assessed using the Agility T-Test, Y-Balance Test and digital handheld dynamometry, respectively. Pre–post differences were analysed using paired-samples t-tests with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All 10 items achieved an I-CVI of 1.00, with an S-CVI/Ave of 1.00. Programme completion was 92.3%, with no reported adverse events or health risk were reported. Agility changed from 15.69 ± 1.77 to 15.59 ± 1.53 s (mean difference: 0.10 s; 95% CI: −1.19 to 1.38; p = 0.868). The largest numerical balance change occurred in left posterolateral reach, from 95.58 ± 18.13 to 109.69 ± 14.61 cm (mean difference: −14.11 cm; 95% CI: −29.49 to 1.27; p = 0.068). Ankle-strength outcomes showed no statistically significant changes. All 95% CIs included zero. The programme demonstrated excellent expert-rated content validity and favourable completion and observed safety during pilot implementation. However, the small sample size and single-group design preclude conclusions regarding effectiveness. Larger, adequately powered controlled studies are warranted to evaluate the programme's effectiveness.