Effect of a 2-week Core Stabilization Programme on Hand-Eye Coordination and Reaction Time in Cricketers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hand eye coordination and Reaction time are both importnant components in a cricketer’s game. Various components of the modern day cricket game rely on these two skills. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of a 2-week core stabilization programme on hand eye coordination and reaction time in cricketers. Two interventions will be given, Group A and B. Group A: Control Group Skill specific training (7) Reaction ball drills: (10 min total) 1)The Side Step: This exercise involves quick movement using side-to-side steps. The player catches the ball with a minimal number of steps. Standing approximately 5 feet away from the wall, facing the wall & bounce the ball off the wall and catch it using one or both hands. Slide toward the ball using side-to-side steps but do not chase the ball. 2) Ball Drops Drill: The player and coach stand 5m away from each other. The coach has a reaction ball. The player assumes an athletic position. The coach holds the ball out to the side at shoulder height and then randomly drops it. As soon as the coach releases the ball, the athlete sprints toward it and catches it before it bounces twice. The player catches the ball in a good athletic stance.

Group B: Intervention Group Skill specific training + Core stability Prior to the protocol the participants will be asked to perform warm-up in the form of stretching for 10 minutes. Intervention will be given three times a week for two weeks.

Core stabilization training consisting of 5 exercises:Double leg lowering,Diagonal leg lowering,side support on feet ,Quadruped arms and legs ,prone arm and leg lifts.

5 reps, 8s holds, 3 sets with a 15 s rest between each repetition and a 2 min rest between sets