Evaluation of visual-motor reaction time and quality of response in rugby sevens players after the application of a neurocognitive training programme

Abstract

This work proposes a neurocognitive training (NCT) programme that seeks to optimise the mechanisms of visual perception, the processing of information and decision making. Also, to evaluate the effects on visual-motor reaction time (VMRT) and effectiveness of response (ER). A system of analysis, evaluation and specific training was applied, followed by comparison using different tests to assess the players' performance. We evaluated 8 male rugby seven players from the Chilean national team (age: 28.5 +/- 2.2 years, height: 179.5 +/- 6.5 cm, weight: 92.5 +/- 7.8 kg). The results showed that in the two variables, the players show statistically significant average improvements in the RTs of the total actions (total VMRT: 5.1%, 95%CI: 17.3-69.24, p=0.006, ES: 0.49) and in the RTs of attempts that were considered effective (effectiveVMRT: 9.3%, 95%CI: 22.77-77.08, p=0.003, ES: 0.66). In the case of ER, a slight improvement in the quality of the actions is detected (4.1% increase in effectiveness and 4.3% decrease in failed attempts), although the changes are not statistically significant. In conclusion, it can be stated that the neurocognitive training programme used led to an improvement in the performance of the variables VMRT and ER, with a differing degree of effectiveness.