The ability to anticipate accurately and consistently plays a vital role to excel in sports
performance. The present study was designed to determine the differences of visual anticipation
time between athletes in open and closed skills sports. A total of 95 junior athletes, aged 13 to 16
years old (Mean age=14.84±1.04 years) from Bukit Jalil Sports School participated in the study.
Participants were distributed to open skills (n=47) and closed skills (n=48) sports according to
their sports environment. Visual anticipation time was tested using Bassin Anticipation Timer in
response to stimuli at the speed of 5, 10, and 15 mph, measuring absolute and variable error.
Absolute error measured the accuracy of responses while variable error focused on the
consistency of responses. The results of this investigation showed that in general open skills sport
are not superior over anticipation ability in relations to accuracy and consistency as compared to
closed skills sports across all speeds (p < 0.05). The evidence from this study suggested more
emphasis on training related to eye and hand coordination would be imperative for open skills
sports athletes to enhance in on-field sports performance. This study could serve as a base for
future studies focusing on visual and hand coordination related to speed as anticipation has been
proven to be the key leading to superior performance and for talent identification purposes. Future
research concentrating on elite athletes as well as focused sports group would provide further
insights on anticipation ability of athletes.
The lack of awareness about comprehensive eye examination amongst athletes could impact their eye health, hence it needs to be addressed. The authors hypothesize that a majority of athletes in Malaysia have never undergone a thorough eye examination. The present study aims to determine Malaysian athletes’ awareness of the importance of eye assessment. One hundred and twenty-one junior athletes, aged 13 to 16 years participated in the visual screening programme. A questionnaire consisting of fourteen dichotomous questions was developed in two languages, each being English and Malay language and administered prior to eye examination. The questionnaire was designed to measure self-reported visual function, ocular symptoms, and perceptions towards eye health. Questionnaire analysis showed 67.8% of participants never underwent any eye examination. A majority of participants, 66.9% and 75.2%, complained of visual and ocular symptoms respectively. The critical finding of this study showed that 57.9% of participants had reduced vision which could be visually corrected. Overall 90.9% of the participants agreed that eye examination was important. Almost none of the athletes owned any sports safety eyewear nor had undergone any visual training. The importance of wearing protective eyewear during sports needs to be given emphasis. This study implies that athletes' awareness of eye health, as well as visually related issues, is still at a very low level. Hence, the need for comprehensive eye examination and regular review among athletes’ needs to be emphasized. Athletes should also be educated on the importance of regular eye examinations from a young age.