| Comparison of Simple and Choice Reaction Time in Open and Closed-Skill Sports Among Professional Male Athletes |
| Paper ID : 1340-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Nazanin Dolat zarei *1, Mozhgan Memarmoghaddam2 1M.Sc. Student, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran. 2. Department of Sport Biomechanics and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran |
| Abstract |
| The level of environmental stability in which a motor skill is performed is one of the key factors influencing the learning and execution of sports skills. Based on environmental predictability, skills are categorized as open or closed. Reaction time—both simple and choice—is a critical component in enhancing athletes’ performance, enabling them to respond rapidly and accurately to stimuli. This study aimed to compare simple and choice reaction times between skilled male athletes in open- and closed-skill sports. Methods: A total of 72 skilled male athletes, each with at least five years of professional sports experience, voluntarily participated in this correlational and applied study. Participants were divided into three groups: open-skill sports (basketball, volleyball, soccer), closed-skill sports (gymnastics, swimming, track and field), and a non-athlete control group. Each group consisted of 12 participants, and the mean age of all participants was 24.03 ± 3.075 years. Reaction times were measured using Advanced Reaction Speed Software. Data analysis was conducted using the nonparametric bootstrap test in SPSS version 24, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Results revealed significantly faster simple reaction times among athletes in open-skill sports (p = 0.001) compared to closed-skill sports (p = 0.336). For choice reaction time, both open- (p = 0.001) and closed-skill (p = 0.004) athletes showed superior performance relative to the control group, with open-skill athletes again demonstrating the shortest reaction times. Conclusion: Open-skill sports, characterized by dynamic and unpredictable environments, require rapid responses to external changes, opponents, and ball movement—resulting in shorter reaction times. Conversely, closed-skill sports occur in stable settings, emphasizing pre-planned, repetitive movements rather than rapid adaptation. |
| Keywords |
| Simple Reaction Time, Choice Reaction Time, Open Skill Sports, Closed Skill Sports |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
