Evidence from a 60 s Jump Protocol in National Wrestlers on Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Fatigue on Visual and Auditory Reaction Performance

Summary

This study examined the effects of a 60 s plyometric fatigue protocol on visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) in national wrestlers. Reaction times were assessed before and after the fatigue protocol. The results showed a significant delay in VRT after fatigue, but not on ART.

Abstract

Reaction time is a critical determinant of performance in combat sports, where rapid visual and auditory responses are essential for effective offensive and defensive actions. Acute fatigue induced by high-intensity exercises, such as plyometric jumps, may impair neuromuscular efficiency and sensory-motor integration, thereby affecting reaction performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a short-term plyometric fatigue protocol on visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) in competitive wrestlers. A total of 36 male U17 National Team Wrestlers (age: 16.2 ± 0.77 years; training experience: 7.2 ± 1.8 years) participated in a repeated-measures study design. VRT and ART were measured before and immediately after a 60 s continuous plyometric jump protocol designed to induce acute fatigue. Reaction times were assessed separately for the right, left, and both sides using a standardized computerized test. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, and effect sizes were calculated using partial eta-squared (η²p). VRT significantly delayed post-fatigue (Both: p=0.019, η²p=0.147; Right: p=0.002, η²p=0.250; Left: p<0.001, η²p=0.273), indicating slower visual responses following the fatigue protocol. In contrast, ART showed no significant changes across any condition (all p>0.19, η²p≤0.048). Short-term plyometric fatigue negatively affects visual reaction performance but does not influence auditory reaction time in wrestlers. These findings suggest that acute fatigue primarily disrupts visual-motor pathways, which may have implications for training and match preparation in combat sports.

Introduction

Wrestling is a dynamic combat sport that requires a combination of high physical strength and rapid mental agility¹. Characterized by repeated high-intensity efforts and short recovery times, wrestling is also a strategic and high-powered competitive fighting sport². In addition to strength, endurance, and technical skills, performance also depends on rapid cognitive processing and neuromotor responsiveness in wrestling³. Athletes need to perceive and interpret sensory information under dynamic, often complicated conditions, and react with precise, quick physical responses⁴....

Protocol

​The study protocol adhered to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Atatürk University Sport Sciences (Approval No: 163(E-70400699-000-2500273534); Date: 21/08/2025). All participants provided written informed consent.

Participants

A total of 36 male U17 wrestlers (age: 16.2 ± 0.77 years; height: 170 ± 6.66 cm; weight: 67.5 ± 16.9 kg) volunteered to participate in this study (Table 1). All participants were actively competitive athletes and had maintained a consistent training regimen ....

Results

The findings of this study demonstrate the effects of a 60 s plyometric fatigue protocol on visual and auditory reaction times in elite U17 wrestlers. Visual reaction time (VRT) results indicated that the mean reaction time for both legs, measured from 444 ± 44.9 ms in the pre-fatigue control condition, increased to 467 ± 48.6ms post-fatigue condition, representing a significant increase of 5.18% (p=0.019). For the right leg, VRT increased from 400 ± 29.5 ms in the pre-fatigue control condition to 420 ± 35.2 ms in the po.......

Discussion

The present study examined the acute effects of a 60 s plyometric fatigue protocol on visual (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) in elite U17 wrestlers. The main finding was that VRT significantly deteriorated following the fatigue intervention, whereas ART remained unaffected (Table 1 and Figure 1). This modality-specific sensory-motor response suggests that acute neuromuscular fatigue has modality-specific effects, likely linked to the distinct neuroanatomical and physi.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Bodpod	Cosmed		The BOD POD Gold Standard body composition monitoring system is an air volume plethysmography system used to determine body composition (fat and lean tissue) in adults and children, which can vary across different populations. The entire test takes only 5 minutes. It provides highly accurate, safe, comfortable, and rapid test results. Each BOD POD Gold Standard is a complete system with a dedicated computer system, thoracic gas volume (TGV) measurement capability, and data management features.
Optojump Next (1meter)	Microgate	Version 1.13.0	In this configuration OptoJump Next makes it possible to perform jump tests, reaction tests and running tests (if mounted on a treadmill). The data that can be obtained are:contact times, flight times, reaction time to a sound/visual impulse, elevation of centre of gravity, specific power (W/Kg), frequency, energy expended (J), jump height. Thanks to these data and video analysis, the operator quickly evaluates the athlete’s explosive and elastic force and tolerance of different kinds of effort, and his/her posture and technique. Moreover, the possibility of performing reaction tests, configuring them freely, makes it possible to compare the results of tests performed in normal situations with those obtained under stress. In addition, if mounted on a treadmill, Optojump Next also generates the data typical of the analysis of a run, also those of a long one (for example, step length). The single meter can be powered by both battery (about 8 hours’ autonomous use) and from the mains.
Stadiometer	Holtain Ltd.		The stadiometer is a counter recording instrument, with an effortless counter balanced movement. It will give an accurate and direct reading, to the nearest millimetre over a range of 600 mm to 2100 mm. Provides direct readings to the nearest millimeter.