Enhancing Mental Flow and Reflex Respense Through Muscle Memory Training in Boxing and Badminton Athletes

Abstract

Background: Mental flow and reflex efficiency are essential for peak performance in high-speed sports such as boxing and badminton. Muscle memory, developed through repetitive training, may support the automaticity required to access flow states and reduce reaction latency. Objective: To examine the impact of an integrated muscle memory and cognitive training program on reflex response and mental flow state in university-level boxing and badminton athletes. Methods: A total of 30 athletes (mean age 24.2 ± 1.69 years) participated in an 8-week intervention combining sport-specific movement repetition, visualization, mindfulness meditation, and reaction time drills. Flow state was assessed using the Flow State Scale (FSS), and reflex performance was measured using the Ruler Drop Test (RDT). Paired-sample t-tests and confidence intervals were computed using SPSS v25. Results: Post-intervention RDT scores significantly improved (mean difference: 2.29 ms; 95% CI: 2.10– 2.48; p = 0.000), while FSS scores showed a marked increase (mean difference: –2.40; 95% CI: –2.52 to – 2.27; p = 0.000), confirming enhanced flow and reflex efficiency. Conclusion: Muscle memory training comprising targeted reaction time drills, mindfulness techniques, and sport-specific reflex exercises effectively enhanced both reflex response and mental flow states in university level boxing and badminton athletes.

Keywords: Athletic Performance, Attention, Badminton, Boxing, Cognitive Training, Flow State, Motor Skills, Muscle Memory, Psychomotor Performance, Reaction Time, Reflex Training.