2019, Volume 15
The variability of visual choice reaction time to different colors in male non-athletes and qwan ki do elite athletes
Adrian Cojocariu1, Bogdan-Constantin Ungurean1, Alexandru Oprean1, Alexandru-Rareș Puni1
1Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania
Author for correspondence: Adrian Cojocariu; Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, Romania; email: cadriano@uaic.ro
Full text
Abstract
Background and Study Aim: The fight competitions within qwan ki do request visual choice reaction time (VCRT) in relation to certain colors – commonly red, blue or white. The cognitive purpose of this research is the potential differences between the values of VCRT to red, blue and white stimuli, among male elite athletes within the qwan ki do martial art, at the level of the upper limbs. The application aim there are the potential differences between these subjects and non-athletes, in order to recommended of possible training adjustments.
Material and Methods: We collected data from 53 male subjects, aged between 19 and 36 years, divided into two groups: the control group (group 1) comprised 46 physical education and sport students (without being performance athletes); the second group comprised seven elite athletes within qwan ki do, members of the Romanian national team, which have attended the latest edition of the European Championship. We have used six computer-based tests, in order to compare the visual choice reaction time (VCRT) to various colors (red, white and blue).
Results: The values of VCRT are most of the times considerably lower in elite qwan ki do athletes, for both hands, in almost all combinations of colors of the six tests, thus highlighting the important effects of long-term training. Among these athletes, no significant differences were found between tests/colors, for both hands, thus suggesting that there are efficient adaptations concerning VCRT to the red dots on blue background and vice versa.
Conclusions: Practically, the values of VCRT in the athletes within our study are not influenced by any of the colors used. In this case, combat efficiency is not significantly influenced by the variable colors of the protective equipment‘s worn by the opponents. This aspect may be highlighted in the selection process, as well as in the assessment and schedule for sports training as a neuromuscular indicator of the training level.
Key words: training, combat sports, martial arts, computer-based test