The impact of fencing training symmetrisation on simple reaction time

Abstract

Abstract Study aim: The symmetrisation of movements can be a way to develop individual coordinative skills, and to prevent the occur-rence of injuries. For this reason, in this study an attempt was made to evaluate and compare simple reaction time and movement time for épée fencers of different sports classes, and to determine the impact that three years of symmetrisation training and unilateral training have on the speed of reaction components and on dynamical asymmetry. Material and methods: The study was conducted on 60 women épée fencers of different sports classes, and it was repeated in two groups after three years of unilateral and symmetrisation training. Simple reaction time and movement time for the dominant and the non-dominant hand were analysed using Vienna Test System. Results: Women épée fencers of high sports class were characterised by a significantly faster reaction time than their less experienced colleagues. In tests conducted after three years of symmetrisation training, athletes from the experimental group achieved also much better results in reaction time (RT) than those from the control group training with the unilateral method. Conclusions: Long-time unilateral training of master class women épée fencers led to dynamical asymmetry, which in the future could cause injuries and have a negative impact on the development of selected motor skills. Symmetrical training conducted in the experimental group had a positive impact on reaction time indicators as well as on movement time indicators, and it prevented the occurrence of dynamical asymmetry in the tested competitors. Thus, it can be inferred that symmetrical exercises will have a positive impact on training effectiveness and on versatility of athletes.