Investigation of the relationship between cognitive functions and visual perception and reaction time in athletes with physical disabilities

İNANLI, A. Investigation of the Relationship Between Cognitive Functions and Visual Perception and Reaction Time In Athletes With Physical Disabilities, Hacettepe University Graduade School of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Program, Master's Thesis, Ankara, 2019 This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between cognitive functions and visual perception and reaction time in physically disabled athletes. Table tennis, archery and shooting sport of physically disabled sports federation participated in the present study. The athletes consist of 22 people, 6 women and 16 men aged 18 to 65 years. Upper extremity muscle strength, shoulder flexibility, grip strength, fine dexterity, finger grip strength, cognitive functions, visual perception, reaction time, cognitive failures, sleep quality and depression were evaluated in the study. As a result of statistical analysis; right external rotation between table tennis player and archers (p = 0.006), right supination between table tennis player and shooters (p= 0.002), between table tennis player and archers (p = 0.001); There was a significant difference between left supination muscle strength, including table tennis - shooters (p= 0.003). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of cognitive functions, visual perception and reaction time (p> 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the other parameters evaluated and cognitive functions and visual perception had no effect on reaction time (p> 0.05). There was a moderately positive strong relationship between cognitive functions and visual perception (r=0,525 p= 0.012). There was a positive correlation between cognitive failure and right reaction time (r=0,469, p = 0.028). As a result of the study; It was found that cognitive failure such as forgetfulness, thoughtfulness, slowing down the reaction speed by prolonging the hand reaction time. In order to increase the success in sports, it was seen that physiotherapists, coaches and athletes working in this field should focus on methods of coping with stress and anxiety before the competition.