Experimental procedure
The experiment involved a 6-week training period. The experiment was performed three times per week during the initial part of regular trainings. The pre-tests, post-tests and 4-week retention tests included both a laboratory test (perceptual-cognitive function) and a field test (reactive agility). The total duration of the testing session for one person did not exceed 60 min, with the experimental time for the laboratory sub-tests approximately 40 min, and for the field test 20 min (including warm-up). To minimize potential bias and ensure that the observed effects were truly due to the stroboscopic protocol, and also for logistical reasons, the participants were divided into four groups: a female stroboscopic group, a male stroboscopic group, a female non-stroboscopic group, and a male non-stroboscopic group. Each group was tested on a separate day. Each testing session took place under the same conditions, starting at 9 am. The participants were familiarized with the tests (lab and field) prior to data acquisition using familiarization sessions to avoid any potential learning effects. Furthermore, a standard procedure, including an instruction and practice phase, was carried out in the Vienna Test System prior to each measurement. A method of randomizing the order of tests was used to control for potential order effects. Both, the stroboscopic and non-stroboscopic groups completed identical sport-specific exercises, under either stroboscopic or normal visual conditions, respectively. Each group trained on a separate court. Three volleyball-specific training protocols were undertaken. Protocol I ‘wall passing drills’ consisted of three tasks with the ball, including forms of reaction time exercise (