THE EVALUATION BY MODERN MEANS OF REACTION SPEED IN ELITE FENCING.

Aim. This study aims at designing and validating a training plan in order to increase the reaction speed for female epee fencers in the national team of Romania. Methods of research: The evaluation of the reaction speed was done with the Witty device during an arm stretch from the guard position (simulation of the right blow), but also during the right fling attack. Two type of tests were applied: Witty Green test and Witty Red test. It is analyzed the moment of touch of the sensor and the duration of the stimulus. The data recorded include the temporal parameters of the reaction response, the speed of execution, the precision and coordination of the movement model. The research sample consists of 14 fencers, the average age at the time of the first test being almost 21 years. Results. Statistical processing for Witty Green parameters: Time, Gap, Lap and GapLap were performed by applying the t test for pair variables, comparing the initial results with the final ones. For all these parameters, there were statistically significant differences between initial and final values. Thus, statistical t > t critical for pair variables, and p value<0.05. Statistical processing for the parameters Witty Red Time, Gap, Lap and GapLap used the t test for pair variables. Statistically significant differences between initial and final values were achieved in the Gap and GapLap indicators; thus, statistical t > t critical for pair variables, and p value<0.05. The Gap average fell from 15.52 to 5.73, and the GapLap average fell from 1.69 to 0.87. Conclusions. In tests carried out with Witty devices, the obtained values demonstrated statistically significant differences, thus, the result can be extrapolated to the entire statistical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]