Test-Retest Reliability of Commercial Timing Gates (DASHR and Sport React) to Measure Neuromotor and Running Performance and Agility

Commercially-available laser-based timing gates are widely implemented for assessing neuromotor function, speed and agility; however, there is limited available data for the reliability and validity of this equipment. The purpose of this study is to establish the reliability and validity of timing gates from DASHR vs. Sport React compared to a manual stopwatch in a battery of neuromotor, performance and agility tests. Participants will complete 3 x 1-h visits over a 2- to 3-week period in a test-retest design. Participants will perform three rounds of the following tests, with 4-min rest separating each round: two reaction tests (Sport React Choice Reaction test, Deary Liewald Test) with 90-s rest in between, then, 10-m sprints with 5-m split times, and change of direction (5-0-5 agility test, Y-agility test), each interspersed with 2-min rest between. Performance outcomes for average and total response times will be measured using laser-based timing gates from DASHR and Sport React, and a manual stopwatch. Neuromotor performance will be measured using Sport React reaction software and a computer based software for the Deary Liewald Test. A subset of pilot data (n=6) will be reported given that piloting is ongoing with data collection anticipated to continue until Spring 2027 at minimum. Establishing the measurement error for this equipment would permit scientists and practitioners to assess the effects of exercise or dietary interventions on performance in applied settings, which is important for translating findings into sport-specific practice.