TITLE:
Differences between Judo, Taekwondo and Kung-fu Athletes in Sustained Attention and Impulse Control
AUTHORS:
Javier Sánchez-López, Thalía Fernández, Juan Silva-Pereyra, Juan Antonio Martínez Mesa
KEYWORDS:
Attention; Martial Arts; Athletes
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.4 No.7,
July
19,
2013
ABSTRACT: Attention processes are essential in athletic
performance. Competition in combat sports requires high levels of attention,
concentration and self-control. The aim of this study was to determine the
differences in attention test performance among three groups of athletes from
different disciplines of martial arts (judo, taekwondo and kung-fu). Twenty
athletes with at least one year of experience in their respective sport were
included in the study. The Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) was performed,
and data for the standard and Z scores of the quarters, halves and totals of
each variable were analysed. The kung-fu athletes showed better inhibition
response than the judo and taekwondo athletes. Minor performance deterioration
during the impulsivity test was identified in kung-fu athletes compared with
taekwondo and judo athletes. Judo athletes showed higher variability in
reaction times than kung-fu athletes. Our study suggests that kung-fu training
improved attention skills more than the other two disciplines. This effect can
be explained by the athletes’ dedication to kung-fu training and the sport’s
promotion of discipline, self-control and meditation.