Effects of Neuroathletic Training on Judokas' Physical, Cognitive, and Performance Abilities

Reaction Time

Reaction time is an important performance indicator that reflects the speed of information processing and the ability to respond to stimuli in cognitive and perceptual processes. In this study, the Light Trainer application will be used to assess reaction time. Light Trainer operates with a wireless system consisting of eight LED lights. These lights are equipped with sensors that are activated by proximity or touch. The application is used to measure performance components such as agility, speed, coordination, and reaction time. Reaction time is measured in milliseconds (ms). In healthy individuals, this time typically ranges between 250-400 ms, while trained athletes are generally expected to perform below 250 ms, due to enhanced sensory processing and faster neuromuscular responses.

Reactive Agility

Reactive agility will be assessed using the Light Trainer system. The test begins when the athlete touches the centrally located LED light with their hand. Six LED lights, placed on cones at a height of 40 cm, light up in a random sequence. The athlete must identify the lit LED, quickly run to the corresponding cone, pass through a designated 20 cm area around the light using their preferred hand, and return to the base light. Reactive agility performance is recorded as the time interval between the activation of the first LED and the deactivation of the last LED. According to normative data, this time typically ranges between 5 and 10 seconds in healthy young adults. In experienced athletes, the performance time is generally around 4 to 6 seconds. Times are recorded in seconds according to the nature of the test.

Single Leg Stance Test

This test is applied to evaluate static balance. The athlete is instructed to stand on one foot with eyes closed and the knee flexed approximately at 90 degrees. The athlete is expected to maintain balance throughout the test duration. The time is measured with a stopwatch during each trial, and the test is repeated three times in total. The average of the three recorded times reflects the athlete's static balance performance.

Y Balance Test

This test will be used to evaluate dynamic balance of the lower and upper extremities. The setup consists of three measuring tapes arranged in a "Y" shape with 120° angles between them. For the lower extremity, the athlete will stand on one foot at the center of the tapes and reach as far as possible with the other foot in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Leg length will be measured from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the medial malleolus. The composite score will be calculated by summing the three reach distances, dividing by three times the leg length, and multiplying by 100. For the upper extremity, the athlete will stand on one hand at the center of the tapes and reach as far as possible with the other hand in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions. Arm length will be measured from the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the tip of the middle finger. The composite score will be calculated similarly.

Judogi Isometric Pull-Up Test (Upper Body Strength and Endurance)

Athlete holds two judogi ropes suspended from a bar and maintains an isometric pull-up (elbows maximally flexed) for as long as possible. Maximum hold time is recorded in seconds. Various normative values exist for the Judogi Isometric Pull-Up Test. Elite male judokas typically maintain the isometric hold for about 35 seconds, while non-elite judokas usually perform between 15 and 25 seconds.

Judogi Dynamic Pull-Up Test

The athlete holds judogi ropes suspended from a bar with hands facing forward and elbows fully extended. The athlete moves the elbow joint from full extension to full flexion repeatedly until fatigue. The highest number of repetitions achieved is recorded. Various normative values exist for the Judogi Dynamic Pull-Up Test. Elite male judokas typically perform around 12 repetitions, while non-elite judokas usually perform between 3 and 7 repetitions.

Sit and Reach Test

This test will be used to assess trunk and lower limb flexibility in children. The individual will sit with legs extended, placing the soles of the feet on the sit-and-reach box, and reach forward along a ruler while keeping the knees extended. The edge of the box will be considered zero; forward reaches will be recorded as positive values and backward movements as negative values. The test will be repeated three times, and the highest value in centimeters will be recorded.

Hand Grip Strength

Hand grip strength will be measured in kilograms (kg) using a hand dynamometer. The athlete will stand and grasp the dynamometer with the elbow fully extended. The arm and hand will not touch the body, and the athlete will apply maximal isometric grip force without moving the arm. This test, known for its high reliability, will be used in clinical research.