Evaluation of reaction time, grip strength, neck stability and posture in karting athletes

Karting is a type of sport that can be used by professional racers as well as recreationally for entertainment purposes, and is generally regarded as a stepping stone to higher-level motorsports. This study was conducted with the aim of comparatively examining the reaction time, grip strength, neck stabilization, and posture analysis of karting athletes and sedentary individuals. Within the scope of the study, the karting athletes consisted of volunteer individuals aged 18–24 who actively participated in karting as a motorsport; the sedentary group consisted of sedentary individuals of similar age and body mass index who did not engage in regular physical activity. A total of 64 participants from both groups were included in the study. Reaction time was assessed using the Human Benchmark Reaction Time Test, grip strength with the Baseline Hand Dynamometer, neck stabilization with the craniocervical flexion test protocol (sphygmomanometer), and posture analysis with the AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS) mobile application. The obtained data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v23.0, and graphs were created with JASP 0.19.3.0 software, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine intergroup differences. As a result of the analyses, a statistically significant difference was found in the variables of reaction time, neck stability, and grip strength (p<0.05). Posture analysis findings showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in body alignment, head tilt, shoulder alignment, pelvic tilt, knee, and foot parameters (p>0.05). The results indicate that, due to the sport-specific dynamic demands, karting athletes have better values compared to sedentary individuals in parameters such as reaction time, grip strength, and neck stabilization. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on reaction time, grip strength, and neck muscle endurance in training programs aimed at improving the performance of karting athletes.