Effect of fatigue in elite fencers on reaction time

This study searches the effect of fatigue in elite fencers on reaction time. For this purpose, 9 male fencers with average age of 17,00±1,00 years, average body weight of 62,67±6,36 kg, average length of 176,00±4,48 cm and 9 female fencers with average age of 16,56±1,13 years, average body weight of 60,10±4,82 kg, average length of 168,44±2,24 cm were included in the research.Bicycle Ergometer Test was used in order to ensure load density of the subjects. Heart rates of subjects were continuously recorded with polar clock while they were cycling. Dominant hand and visual reaction time in 40%, 60%, 80% and maximal loading densities calculated according to Karvonen method was detected with Newtest brand reaction meter while test flow was continuing. Lactic acid values in subjects were measured with blood sample received from earlobes in the same loading density (with Roche Accutrend brand lactate analyzer). Subjects were caused pedaling until they are exhausted, and fatigue degree of sportsmen was determined by looking at borg scale. Loading was made through Monark Ergomedic 839E Aerobic bicycle ergometer. Data obtained as a result of the research was handled by means of t test and correlation in SPSS 14.0 program.As a result of the analyses held, a significant difference was found in 60%, 80% and maximal loading densities of men among LAS while any significant difference was not determined among LAS in female subjects. While any significant difference was not found in resting degree, a significant difference was determined in 40%, 60% and 80% and maximal loading densities when LAS is compared in different loading densities of male and female subjects. When we look at lactic acid levels of the subjects, we determined that male fencers approached an anaerobic threshold with 60% density, reached to anaerobic threshold in 80% loading density while male control group and female subjects reached an anaerobic threshold in 60% loading density, and all subjects were exceeded with threshold surplus in maximal loading density.Significant differences were determined in resting, 40%, 60%, 80% and maximal loading densities in male and female subjects when their visual reaction times were compared in different loading densities. Reaction time of subjects extended in different loading densities while their lactic acid levels increased. However, any significant difference was not determined between different loading density and LAS and visual reaction time.Keywords: Fencing, Reaction time, Lactic Acid, Fatigue.