A device to measure choice reaction time in karate

In this article the design of a device aimed at the measurement and training of choice reaction time in karate is presented. Three versions, two fixed and one portable, are described. The device is based on the combination of an inertial switch and nine air-bellows. The former activates a timer and the latter identifies the point of the impact. The device was tested on four people. An overall reaction time score, representing an average reaction time over eight critical exercises, was obtained before and after four weeks of training for every person. This reaction time score decreased significantly for three out of four individuals. Whilst the device needs further testing in training settings, it appears to be a promising tool for complementing traditional choice reaction time training methods in karate.
© Copyright 1999 Sports Engineering. The Faculty of Health & Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:combat sports
Published in:Sports Engineering
Language:English
Published: 1999
Online Access:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1460-2687.1999.00016.x
Volume:2
Issue:1
Pages:49-54
Document types:article
Level:advanced