In the realm of peak athletic performance, the traditional focus has often been on physical strength and endurance. But what if we told you there's another dimension to elite training? Enter the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses, a groundbreaking tool designed to challenge and develop the mind's athletic prowess through the use of Stroboscopic Visual Training (SVT).

What is SVT?

SVT is a form of training in which an individual practices a task under intermittent visual conditions with the intention of enhancing subsequent performance under normal visual conditions. For example, catching a ball whilst having your peripheral binocular or absolute vision obscured is shown to improve reactions and performance when placed under normal conditions again.

Is there science to back this up?

Absolutely, there have been several studies over the years that have shown the positive effects of SVT in relation to reactions and physical coordination. At the bottom of the page you can find links to the most relevant research and studies.

What are the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses

Unlike other sports eyewear, the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses use advanced strobing (flickering) technology to intermittently obstruct visual perception. This forces athletes to process reduced visual information in one or both eyes, making the brain adapt and work harder.

Benefits of Strobe Training:

1. Sharper Reflexes: By pushing athletes to anticipate movements with limited visual input, these glasses refine reaction speed and decision-making ability.
2. Enhanced Focus: With the visual interruptions, the brain learns to concentrate intensely during moments of clear vision, heightening overall focus.
3. Improved Coordination: Relying on limited visual cues, athletes develop a heightened sense of spatial awareness and coordination.
4. Boosted Cognitive Load: The added challenge taxes the brain, enhancing its processing speed and ability to handle complex scenarios.

How to get Started

SVT is not complex, it can be as simple as playing catch, or bouncing a ball against a wall whilst wearing the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses. The following is a simple example of a 4 week training plan:

Week 1: Familiarisation Phase

Session Frequency: 3 times a week.

Exercise 1 - Basic Ball Catch:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Both lenses strobing at the same time (symmetric mode) to intermittently block vision, facilitating gradual adaptation to strobe training.
Opaque Time: 100 milliseconds (0.1 seconds)
Transparent Time: 400 milliseconds (0.4 seconds)

Exercise 2 - Skipping Rope:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Alternating clear and opaque between left and right eyes (asymmetric mode) to challenge binocular vision and coordination.
Opaque Time: 100 milliseconds (0.1 seconds)

Week 2: Adaptation Phase

Session Frequency: 3-4 times a week.

Exercise 1 - HECOstix Exercises:

Strobe Glasses Mode: One lens (left or right) strobing to train one side of the visual field, alternating eyes between sessions.
Opaque Time: 150 milliseconds (0.15 seconds)
Transparent Time: 350 milliseconds (0.35 seconds)

Exercise 2 - Mixed Ball Drills:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Both lenses strobing at the same time to increase difficulty and enhance peripheral vision and reaction time.
Opaque Time: 150 milliseconds (0.15 seconds)
Transparent Time: 350 milliseconds (0.35 seconds)

Week 3: Intensification Phase

Session Frequency: 4 times a week.

Exercise 1 - Skipping Rope Advanced Techniques:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Both lenses strobing at the same time to enhance concentration and coordination under restricted vision.
Opaque Time: 200 milliseconds (0.2 seconds)
Transparent Time: 300 milliseconds (0.3 seconds)

Exercise 2 - HECOstix Complex Games:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Alternating clear and opaque between left and right eyes to heighten the challenge and improve depth perception and quick decision-making.
Opaque Time: 200 milliseconds (0.2 seconds)

Week 4: Mastery Phase

Session Frequency: 4-5 times a week.

Exercise 1 - Advanced Ball Drills:

Strobe Glasses Mode: One lens (left or right) strobing for enhancing one side of the visual field, alternate eyes between sessions, to fine-tune mono-ocular visual skills and reactions.
Opaque Time: 250 milliseconds (0.25 seconds)
Transparent Time: 250 milliseconds (0.25 seconds)

Exercise 2 - Complex Skipping Patterns:

Strobe Glasses Mode: Both lenses strobing simultaneously to reach a peak level of difficulty, enhancing binocular vision coordination and reaction time under challenging conditions.
Opaque Time: 250 milliseconds (0.25 seconds)
Transparent Time: 250 milliseconds (0.25 seconds)

Other Drills

Static Balance Drill:

• Stand on one leg with the glasses activated.
• The aim is to maintain balance for a set duration, challenging proprioception.

Dynamic Movements:

• Perform basic exercises like jumping jacks, high knees, or lunges with the glasses on.
• The unpredictable visual input will make these exercises more challenging and brain-intensive.

Ball Toss:

• Toss a ball against a wall or to a partner while wearing the glasses.
• Focus on catching the ball despite the visual interruptions.

Agility Ladder:

• Run through agility ladder drills with the glasses on, focusing on footwork and coordination with disrupted vision.

Sport-Specific Drills:

• Whether throwing and catching, dribbling a basketball, racing on a simulator, practicing batting, or honing football footwork, incorporate the glasses into regular drills to elevate their complexity.

Dynamic Balance on Unstable Surfaces:

• Use balance tools like BOSU balls or balance boards with the glasses on, adding a visual challenge to the mix.

Integration in Team Training

Strobe training is not limited to individual athletes. Coaches can incorporate strobe glasses into team training sessions, enhancing team coordination and decision-making under pressure.

Conclusion

Remember, the ultimate goal is to continuously challenge and enhance your reaction time and visual skills, progressively intensifying the difficulty as you adapt to each stage.

While the immediate effects of strobe training can be felt, long-term benefits arise from consistent use. Integrate them into your regular training sessions, gradually increasing their usage as you become more comfortable.

In summary the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses aren't just another sports accessory; they're a paradigm shift in training methodologies. In a world where every second counts, these glasses provide the edge that separates the good from the exceptional. 

Safety First

When using the Reactionz Elite Strobe Training Glasses, especially initially, ensure you're in a safe environment, free from obstacles or potential hazards. It's advised to have a spotter or to be near a support system when trying more complex exercises.

What is the risk if I am susceptible to seizures?

Despite the name, the Reactionz strobe glasses do not involve shining lights - the product acts as shutters that block out light. That said, if someone has a history of light induced seizures, they SHOULD NOT use the Reactions Elite Strobe Glasses (to be cautious). If you have any concerns due to your medical condition, please consult your health care provider before using the glasses.

Further Reading on SVT

The following research looks closely into the impact of SVT on sports training and physical ability:

1. Research by Appelbaum and Erickson (2018) Title: "Sports Vision Training: A Review of the State-of-the-Art in Digital Training Techniques" Findings: This review suggested that sports vision training, which can include the use of strobe glasses, can have a positive impact on the visual skills and reaction times of athletes. Publication: International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology
2. Research by Applebaum et al. (2012) Title: "Stroboscopic Visual Training Improves Information Encoding in Short-Term Memory" Findings: This study showed that stroboscopic training can enhance visual short-term memory, a key component in reaction time improvement. Publication: Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics
3. Research by Smith et al. (2012) Title: "Stroboscopic Training Enhances Anticipatory Timing" Findings: This study provided evidence that stroboscopic training can enhance anticipatory timing, a critical component of reaction time, especially in sports. Publication: International Journal of Exercise Science
4. Research by Hülsdünker et al. (2023) Title: Stroboscopic vision prolongs visual motion perception in the central nervous system. Findings: Using computer based reaction tests the study identifies a neurophysiological foundation for the performance enhancements observed after undergoing stroboscopic training. Publication: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
5. Research by Ballester et al. (2017) Title: "Stroboscopic vision and sustained attention during coincidence-anticipation" Findings: This study found that individuals were able to maintain consistent performance in reaction tasks under stroboscopic vision conditions, as opposed to normal vision conditions. Publication: Scientific Reports - Nature
6. Research by Wilkins et al. (2015) Title: "Effects of Stroboscopic visual training on visual attention, motion perception and catching performance" Findings: Validated that changes observed in previous stroboscopic training research might be associated with advancements in sports skill performance. Publication: Perceptual and Motor Skills