A Study on the Variations in Peripheral Vision and Reaction Performance among Indian Male Football Players of Different Competitive Levels

Background Peripheral vision and reaction ability are critical determinants of performance in elite football, yet comparative assessments between competitive levels remain limited in Indian football contexts. Purpose To compare peripheral vision and reaction ability between national-level (I-League) and state-level male football players using FITLIGHT® technology. And quantify the magnitude of performance differences to inform training program design. Methods Fifty-two male football players (26 I-League, 26 state-level) aged 19–44 years participated in this comparative cross-sectional study. Peripheral vision was measured by counting total taps in 30 seconds, and reaction ability was assessed through foot reaction time (in milliseconds) using the FITLIGHT system. Independent samples t-tests were conducted with a significance level of p < 0.05, and Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated using G*Power software. Results Comparing the foot reaction time, the National-level players had significantly superior times than the state-level players (388.0 ± 9.78ms vs. 461.8 ± 8.73ms; t = 28.7, p < .001, d = 7.87) and total tap count (77.5 ± 1.96 vs. 65.1 ± 1.16; t = -27.7, p < .001, d = 7.51). Effect sizes indicated a very large difference for both variables. Conclusion National-level football players had dominant peripheral vision and reaction abilities compared to state-level male Football players. These findings show the importance of visuocognitive training technologies in talent identification and development programs across all competitive levels.