Study Abstract: Reaction Time of Beginner and Advanced Martial Artists (on Qwan Ki Do practitioners )

Introduction

Reaction time is a crucial aspect of martial arts that allows athletes to respond to their opponents with maximum speed. We analyzed a study conducted by Adrian Cojocariu from Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuze that aimed to measure the reaction time to visual stimuli by Qwan Ki Do practitioners. The study investigated the simple and choice reaction time to visual stimuli for the upper limbs in beginner and advanced practitioners of the Qwan Ki Do.

Understanding the Difference between Simple and Choice Reaction Time in Martial Arts

When it comes to reaction time in martial arts, it's important to understand the difference between simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT), as they play distinct roles in combat performance.

Simple Reaction Time (SRT)

SRT refers to the time it takes to react to a single, well-defined stimulus. In martial arts, this could be a specific cue or movement initiated by an opponent. For example, when an opponent throws a punch, an athlete's SRT measures the time it takes for them to respond with a defensive maneuver. SRT relies on the ability to detect and process the stimulus quickly before initiating an appropriate action.

Choice Reaction Time (CRT)

CRT involves reacting to multiple stimuli and selecting the most appropriate response from various options. In martial arts, athletes often face situations where they need to make split-second decisions based on the actions of their opponents. For instance, an athlete may need to choose between evading, blocking, or countering an opponent's attack. CRT not only requires rapid sensory processing but also involves cognitive decision-making to determine the optimal response.

The key difference between SRT and CRT lies in the complexity of the decision-making process. SRT focuses on reacting to a single stimulus, whereas CRT involves processing and selecting from multiple stimuli and response options. Martial artists with faster CRT have a greater ability to assess their opponent's actions, make quick decisions, and execute appropriate responses.

Key Study Findings

In martial arts fighting competitions, athletes must be able to respond quickly to their opponent's movements, making reaction time an extremely important factor in their success. The study found that the simple reaction time, which measures the time it takes to react to a visual stimulus, is around 200 ms, with no significant difference between athletes and non-athletes.

However, the choice reaction time, which measures the time it takes to choose the appropriate reaction from several alternatives, can be improved through specific training. The study found that advanced Qwan Ki Do athletes had significantly faster choice reaction times than beginners and students in physical education.

The Measurement Methods

To measure the reaction time, the researchers used a computer and adapted keyboard. The keyboard presented four buttons close to each other, forming a square. They also used their own design software, which allowed recording and storing of reaction times, showing the average, maximum, and minimum values for a number of determinations. There were four tests conducted, which are as follows:

1. Measurement of Simple Reaction Time: In this test, when a large dot, colored red, appeared on the monitor (on a white background), the subject had to press a default key as soon as possible, using the index finger in contact with the key. There were 30 executions for each subject.

2. Measurement of Choice Reaction Time for Dominant Hand: In this test, the program was set to allow the appearance of a randomly colored dot in one of the four corners of the screen. When it appeared, the subject, using the dominant hand and the same set of fingers in contact, had to press as soon as possible the appropriate red button on the keyboard. There were 30 measurements for each subject.

3. Measurement of Choice Reaction Time for Non-Dominant Hand: Same as test 2, but with the non-dominant hand.

4. Measurement of Choice Reaction Time Using Both Hands: This test measured the choice reaction time using both hands.

Study Results

The study showed that the simple reaction time is slightly higher than 200 ms, i.e., close to the average found in various individuals. There were no significant differences between the simple reaction time for the three groups, although the advanced athletes of Qwan Ki Do (group 3) were closer to 200 ms (207±6.6 ms). This supports the assertion that there are not large differences between athletes and non-athletes in terms of simple reaction time. From another perspective, the values obtained for the advanced athletes of Qwan Ki Do (207±6.6 ms) are similar to those found for experienced athletes in Taekwondo and Wu-shu (210.9 ms).

Regarding the choice reaction time, there were significant differences for both hands between advanced athletes of Qwan Ki Do, on the one side, and students in physical education and beginners of Qwan Ki Do, on the other side. The values for advanced practitioners of Qwan Ki Do are comparable to those found in karate. Differences in choice reaction times for the dominant versus the non-dominant hand were not significant in all groups included in the research.

There is a scarcity of literature concerning reaction time in martial arts. Based on the limited available data, individuals with moderate physical activity have shown choice reaction times (CRT) of approximately 400 ms, while fencers and karateka have exhibited CRT values around 335 ms and 340 ms, respectively.

The study found that the simple reaction time cannot be significantly improved through training. However, the choice reaction time can be improved through specific training. The choice reaction time of the advanced athletes in Qwan Ki Do was considerably improved, probably due to more efficient activity of the central nervous system. Research results showed that specific training of Qwan Ki Do decreases the choice reaction time, making the trained athlete more efficient in combat.

Conclusion

The study conducted by Adrian Cojocariu from Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuze shed light on the reaction time of martial artists, particularly in the context of simple reaction time (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT). The findings revealed that there were no significant differences in SRT between athletes and non-athletes, suggesting that this aspect of reaction time may not be strongly influenced by athletic training.

However, the study demonstrated that choice reaction time, which involves the selection of an appropriate response from multiple options, can be improved through specific training. Advanced athletes in Qwan Ki Do showcased considerably faster CRT compared to beginners and students in physical education.

These results emphasize the importance of developing efficient decision-making skills in martial arts combat, as athletes need to rapidly assess their opponents' actions and select the most effective response.

Moreover, the study's comparative analysis with data from other martial arts disciplines highlighted the competitive CRT values observed in advanced Qwan Ki Do athletes, which were comparable to those of experienced karateka, Taekwondo practitioners, and Wu-shu athletes. This further supports the notion that specific training in Qwan Ki Do can contribute to reducing choice reaction time and enhance overall combat efficiency.

Overall, the study underscores the significance of reaction time in martial arts and provides valuable insights into the differences between simple and choice reaction time. While SRT may not be significantly trainable, athletes can focus on improving their decision-making speed and accuracy through targeted training methods, ultimately enhancing their performance and responsiveness in martial arts competitions.

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