The effect of short-term resistance training on hand reaction time improvement is independent of sexual dimorphism

  • Anderson Luiz Bezerra da Silveira Laboratory of Physiology and Human Performance. Department of Physical Education and Sports. Institute of Education. Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Lucas Monteiro de Carvalho Laboratory of Physiology and Human Performance. Department of Physical Education and Sports. Institute of Education. Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
  • Caio Lima do Nascimento Laboratory of Physiology and Human Performance. Department of Physical Education and Sports. Institute of Education. Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
  • César Rafael Marins Costa Laboratory of Physiology and Human Performance. Department of Physical Education and Sports. Institute of Education. Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
  • Claudio Melibeu Bentes Laboratory of Physiology and Human Performance. Department of Physical Education and Sports. Institute of Education. Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2020.11.001
Keywords: Diferencias Género, Entrenamiento Fuerza, Percepción Visual, Rendimiento Psicomotor, Sistema Nervioso Central, Tiempo Reacción Gender Difference, Psychomotor Performance, Strength Training, Response Time, Central Nervous System, Visual Perception Diferenças Sexuais, Treinamento Força, Percepção Visual, Performance Psicomotora, Sistema Nervoso Central, Tempo Resposta

Abstract

Objectiveː The aim was to evaluate the effects of four weeks of resistance training and sexual dimorphism on Manual reaction time in apparently healthy subjects.

Methods: The subjects of the sample were randomly allocated in two groups, as follow: Control (CTRL) - kept 4 weeks without any systematized physical activity (Nmales= 8, age= 24±3 yrs., body weight= 76.9±15.4 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±4 yrs., body weight= 70.8±17.5 kg); Experimental (EXP) - 4 weeks of resistance training (Nmales= 8, age= 23±3 yrs., weight= 69.6±11 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±1 yrs., body weight= 59.77±6.8 kg). The resistance training consisted of 4 exercises for upper limbs (3 sets x 8-12 reps) and 4 exercises for lower (3 sets x 12-15 reps). Manual reaction time was evaluated in a manufactured Arduino-based reaction time device connected to a computer.

Results: For men, there was a significant decrease in Manual reaction time after resistance training within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Women showed the same results within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Additionally, there was no sexual dimorphism before or after four weeks of resistance training.

Conclusion: The results suggest that just four weeks of resistance training was sufficient to improve Manual reaction time, regardless of sexual dimorphism. Therefore, resistance training inclusion in the training periodization seems essential to improve or rehabilitate the fast voluntary motor response, especially for activities or sports that require it.

Published
2020-11-16
Issue
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2021): September 2021
Section
Originals
Page/s
160-164
DOI
https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2020.11.001