EXAMINATION OF REACTION VALUES OF 10-12 YEARS OLD SWIMMERS AND SEDENTARY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

This research was designed to compare reaction data between female swimmers and sedentary individuals in the age group of 10-12 years. The research participants were divided into two groups: athletes and sedentary individuals. The athlete group consisted of 8 female swimmers (age 11.25 ± 0.25 years, height 150.1 ± 0.9 cm, weight 41.3 ± 0.5 kg), while the sedentary group consisted of 8 female individuals (age 10.88 ± 0.30 years, height 147.3 ± 0.6 cm, weight 39.40 ± 0.5 kg). A dominant hand reaction test, both auditory and visual, was administered to the participants, and the values of the best reaction time were recorded. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software package. Mann Whitney U test was conducted to determine if there was a significant difference between the two groups, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The study found a statistically significant difference in dominant hand reaction parameters between the athlete group and the sedentary group within a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). As a result, it is believed that individuals engaged in swimming training have better reaction values compared to sedentary individuals, and this difference may be attributed to the effect of auditory cues used during swimming training sessions. Regular participation in sports or exercise activities is recommended to observe improvements in motor skills, including reaction time, and to enhance individuals' overall health and well-being.