PURPOSE: A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that visual, perceptual, and oculomotor abilities contribute to batting performance in baseball. As such, an important question is whether training such abilities can transfer positively to batting performance.
METHODS: The current study tested this question through a pre-registered, randomized, and placebo-controlled training intervention, conducted with 24 collegiate baseball players at two Division 1 universities. Athletes were randomized into two groups and received either active dynamic vision training consisting of stroboscopic, anticipatory timing, and eye quickness drills, or placebo drills stylized after control procedures in previous vision therapy studies. Visual-motor and batting performance data were collected and compared between the two cohorts to test the transfer of training effects, while controlling for covariates such as expectations and site. Generalized near-transfer of training was tested with a digital visual-motor task battery, while sports-specific intermediate and far transfer of training were evaluated through tracking metrics collected during structured batting practice and box score performance in NCAA-sanctioned games, respectively. Participants averaged 8.5 hours of training with no significant group differences in adherence, expectations, or baseline assessments.
RESULTS: Analysis of covariance revealed no group differences in measures of generalized visual-motor skills or NCAA game statistics. However, structured batting practice results revealed consistent gains in batting performance, with significant improvements in the Launch Angle (delta = 8°, p <0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.66) and Hit Distance (delta = 41 ft, p <0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.61) for the active cohort relative to the control group. This finding was present at each individual study site and in both the complete-case and intent-to-treat analyses.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the use of sports vision training programs can result in improved performance beyond the direct skills trained, warranting further study and creating new opportunities for training baseball athletes.