The effect of kung fu training on response time in 7-9 aged children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the simple and choice response times of kung fu athletes and non-athletic children aged 7-9. The study included a total of 66 kung fu athletes (54 female and 12 male) and 63 non-athletic children (51 female and 12 male), who voluntarily participated. The Light Trainer measurement device was used to determine the participants' simple and choice response times. The participants were divided into two groups: kung fu athletes and non-athletes. Kung fu athletes and non-athletic children participated in measurements on different days under two research conditions (simple and choice response times), selected randomly. Independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were applied for data analysis. According to the results of the study, the simple and choice response times of kung fu athletes were significantly shorter than those of non-athletes (p<0.05). Male kung fu athletes also exhibited shorter simple and choice response times compared to male non-athletes (p<0.05). While there was no significant difference in the simple response times between female kung fu athletes and non-athletic girls (p>0.05), the choice response times of female kung fu athletes were significantly shorter (p<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that children who received kung fu training had faster simple and choice response times compared to non-athletic children. This suggested that kung fu training positively influenced children's response times.