The effect of acute vibration on visual reaction time in fencers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of an acute local vibration exercise on the visual reaction time of a fencer’s upper body extremities. Twenty-six male fencers between the ages of 15 and 23 (mean age, 17.38 ± 2.13 years, height: 173.6±9.1 cm, body mass: 70.2 ±14.1 kg) volunteered for this study. The reaction time test was applied before and after the vibration exercise (applied for 30 seconds in 27 Hz with a 2-mm amplitude). After 25 min. standard warming up, fencers were informed about the test, and three repeated reaction tests were performed to provide familiarization. The fencers started the reaction test in the standard fencing guard position. According to five signals coming at two to five second intervals from the target monitor, the fencers made touché by bending (attacking). The reaction time test had five trials. The average reaction time values pre-vibration, and post-vibration were compared. The visual reaction time measured pre-vibration were significantly longer than those measured post-vibration (p<0.001). Acute local vibration exercise applied to fencers shortened the visual reaction time. Given the fact that vibration can improve RT, the use of vibration in training has the potential to provide an advantage to fencers.