Simple and choice response time among elite and novice karate athletes and non-athletes

Background and Study Aim: Simple and choice response time (RT) are important determinants for karate competition. Studies showed notable controversy on a discrepancy in RT among different level of karate skill. This study’s aim is knowledge about simple and choice RT elite and novice karate athletes and also non-athletes (all from college students). Material and Methods: We recruited three groups from college students: elite karate athletes (n = 28), novice karate athletes (n = 34) and non-athletes (n = 97). RT was measured in five conditions: simple RT at zero and shoulder distance, along with choice RT at zero, shoulder and random distance, by using FITLIGHT Trainer™ System (FTS), for dominant and non-dominant hands. Results: Conclusions: RT of dominant hand measured at simple with zero distance were 335.43 ±73.05 ms, 306.33 ±47.05 ms and 292.33 ±45.4 ms for non-athletes, novice and elite karate athletes, respectively. Compared with non-athletes, elite karate group had significantly faster simple and choice RT, while novice karate group had significantly faster choice RT (p<0.01 for all conditions). When compared between two karate groups, the elite group was faster in choice RT at a random distance than the novice group (p<0.001). The findings suggest karate practice improves RT among young adults and there is a significant discrepancy between elite and novice level of karate athletes at choice RT. FTS is a potential standardised tool for response time assessment using light stimulation.