Almuzaini, K. S., Al-Hazzaa, H. M., Alablood, S. A., Sulaiman, M. A., & Dafterdar, M. Y. (1998). Relationship between reaction time and anaerobic power in different sports. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1461.

Anaerobic power and whole-body reaction-movement time were measured among athletes aged 18-26 years: long-distance runners (N = 13), sprinters (N = 12), fencers (N = 13), table tennis players (N = 12), and a control group (N = 8). All groups performed a vertical jump, a Wingate power test, and reaction time tests using light, sound, and choice of lights.

Fencers scored highest of all groups on the Wingate peak power test but were only significantly different to the long-distance runners and controls. There were no significant differences between the groups in any reaction time test. Reaction time was not related to peak power or vertical jump.

Implication. Reaction time is not related to peak or average anaerobic power. It does not discriminate between groups of athletes from different sports.

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