Validity and Reliability of the Linear and Non-Linear Reactive Agility Training Programme: Reaction Time and Agility in Table Tennis

The development of an evidence-based training programme is essential to ensure that training interventions are scientifically sound and aligned with the specific demands of a sport. In table tennis, reactive agility, reaction time and agility are key physical components that directly influence performance during competition. However, many training programmes are implemented without prior evaluation of their validity and reliability. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of linear and non-linear loading programmes developed to improve reactive agility, reaction time and agility in table tennis athletes. This quantitative evaluative study involved four expert validators selected through purposive sampling. The training programmes were assessed using an instrument comprising eight evaluation indicators covering training

Objectives: , exercise content, loading

Design: , intensity, volume, progression, clarity of language, and visual presentation. Content validity was analysed using Aiken’s V coefficient, whilst reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The

Results: showed that all indicators achieved Aiken’s V values ranging from 0.92 to 1.00, indicating excellent content validity. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.762, whilst the Average Measures ICC was 0.774 (95% CI = 0.322–0.950; p = 0.005), demonstrating good inter-rater reliability. These

Findings: indicate that the developed linear and non-linear loading programmes possess satisfactory validity and reliability and are appropriate for use as evidence-based training guidelines to improve reactive agility, reaction time and agility in table tennis athletes. Future studies are recommended to examine the effectiveness of these programmes through experimental implementation involving athletes with different competitive characteristics.