The relationship between reaction time and decision-making in elite kickboxing athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological and psychomotor variables such as reaction time, decision-making situation and relations between the variables of kick boxing athletes in different branches. A total of 32 male, 22 female elite kick boxing athletes participated in this study voluntarily. They were divided into two groups, according to branch, (full contact male (n=18), female (n=12) and light contact male (n=14), female (n=10)). Reaction time was measured by using New-tested 2000 device and to determine the styles of decision-making was asked to fill Melbourne Decision Making Scale. There was a meaningful correlation between reaction time and careful from styles of decision-making in full contact male and reaction time and panic from styles of decision-making in full contact female. According to the results, Full contact male-female athletes were significantly faster and more careful than light contact male-female athletes. As a result, kick boxing may be effective about decision time in the development of reaction times and it can improve the appropriate response to stimulus and careful decision-making capabilities of athletes.