Auditory Reaction Time, Visual Reaction Time and Whole Body Reaction Time in Athletes.

Speed of movement and quick reactions are prized qualities in athletics. Reaction time is often overlooked and usually under-estimated element in athletic selection. In sports and games, in which movements of a participant are conditioned by signals, by movements of opponents, or by motion of the ball, reaction time is of great importance. Present study was conducted in healthy controls and athletes between 18-25 years with 50 subjects in each group. Auditory reaction time for Beep tone and Click was determined using right and left hand. Visual reaction time for Red and Green light was determined using right and left hand. Whole body reaction time was determined in Right, Left, Front and Back direction. Statistical analysis was done using Z-test. There was significant decrease in auditory, visual and whole body reaction time in athletes as compared to healthy controls. Shorter reaction time in athletes could be due to improved concentration and alertness, better muscular coordination, improved performance in the speed and accuracy task. Reaction time in specific movements improves as a result of extensive practice of those concerned movements in athletic events. Therefore reaction time improving training sessions have to be held for athletes to develop fine motor skills.

Study of Flexibility, Agility and Reaction Time in Handball Players.

Handball is a very versatile game which is played very rarely and recently in India. The study was carried out in 30 male handball players aged between 15 to 25 yrs and 30 age matched controls. Flexibility was assessed using Sit and Reach test and Goniometry; Agility using Burpee’s squat test, Side Step test, Quadrant Jump test and Reaction time using electronic instruments. Data was analyzed using Unpaired T Test. It was observed that flexibility, agility was significantly more and reaction time was significantly less in handball players as compared to their age matched controls. However, these handball players lag far behind when compared with international handball players. So it was concluded that players with more flexibility, agility and less reaction time are at advantage for handball.