A comparative study of auditory & visual reaction time in table tennis players and age matched healthy controls

• Author Details:   
• Deepa HS
• Nivedita Sirdesai

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Objectives: Evaluation of the effect of playing Table Tennis(TT) on auditory reaction time (ART)  & visual reaction time (VRT) and  comparison with age matched healthy control group who are not involved in regular sports activity.
Materials and Methods: 30 male table tennis players in age group of 18-30 years and 30 age matched healthy males as controls were included. VRT & ART measurement was done by PC 1000 reaction timer.
VRT Measurement: Examiner pressed the START button in first component & subject was instructed to press the STOP button in second component as soon as he saw the light in the instrument. Reaction Time( RT) was recorded for red, green & blue light in msec using Audacity software. 
ART Measurement: Head phones were  connected to second component. Subject was instructed to press the STOP button as soon as he heard the sound (1000 Hz). Data was analysed statistically using students unpaired ‘t’ test.
Results: Mean values of VRT in table tennis players was less  than controls for red, green & blue colours & the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean value of ART was significantly (p<0.05) less r in Table Tennis players than controls.
Conclusion: Mild enhancement of cognitive function is observed in exercise and sports. Playing Table Tennis is useful to improve eye-hand reaction time, for the improvement of concentration, alertness & cognitive processing.

Keywords: Table Tennis, Visual Reaction Time, Auditory Reaction Time, Sports & stimulus