EFFECT OF DUAL TASK EXERCISES ON REACTION TIME IN SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

Background: Reaction time is the time taken to respond to a stimulus. Reaction time is a pre-requisite of any sports player. A short reaction time is an indicative of swift movements and attentiveness on field of the player. A player on field should have the ability to multitask. This ability is strengthened using dual task exercises. Method: Participants- 27 school basketball players of 13-16 years were included in the study. Hand dominance was assessed using the handedness questionnaire and leg dominance was assessed by asking the participant to kick the ball. Reaction time was assessed using the reaction timer and dynamic balanced was assessed using the Y balance test. Both the parameters were recorded as a pretest and posttest after intervention of dual task exercises. As an intervention 3 dual task exercises throwing and catching a ball while walking, spot marching and jump up to reach targets and side marching and passing the ball were used. Each exercise was done for a period of 8-10 mins respectively. During this time their regular basketball practice and physical fitness exercises were continued in school respectively. Results: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. A significant change was found in the reaction time of basketball players with p Value obtained as 7.26E-06. The balance component showed a significant improvement as well. P Values obtained for Anterior direction is 0.048, for posteromedial direction is 0.053and for posterolateral direction is 0.014. Conclusion: Dual task exercises along with basketball training were effective in improving the reaction time and dynamic balance in basketball players. KEY WORDS: Reaction time, dual task exercises, Dynamic balance, Y balance test, School basketball players.