Investigating the Influence of Open-Skill vs. Closed-Skill Sport Training on Simple and Choice Reaction Times in Adolescents

This study investigates how regular participation in football (open-skill) versus swimming (closed-skill) influences simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times in adolescents. Using a comparative methodology, 30 athletes were tested via a ruler-drop test and an online visual stimulus task, with data analyzed through independent sample t-tests.

Results indicate that swimmers exhibit significantly faster, more consistent SRTs, whereas footballers demonstrate superior CRT performance. These findings support the hypothesis that training environments shape specific cognitive and neuromuscular responses. This exemplar features rigorous statistical analysis, including large effect size calculations (Cohen’s d), comprehensive control of confounding variables, and a nuanced evaluation of ecological and construct validity limitations.