Validity and Reliability of a Light-Based Electronic Target for Testing Response Time in Fencers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Response time (RT) is a critical sensorimotor skill in fencing.
• Accurate measurement and training of RT are essential for fencer performance.
• Existing methods for RT assessment may lack precision or accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel light-based electronic target for measuring fencing response time.
• To assess the target's efficacy in differentiating between elite and novice fencers across various attack types.
• To examine the correlation between response time, fencer skill level, and demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-five fencers (53 male, 42 female), categorized as elite or novice, were tested.
• Response time was measured using a light-based electronic target during three distinct attack types.
• Data analysis included reliability (ICC), validity, sensitivity, specificity, and correlation analyses.

Main Results:

• The electronic target demonstrated high reliability across all attack types (ICC 0.94-0.96).
• Elite fencers exhibited significantly faster response times than novice fencers (p < 0.001).
• Elite male fencers were faster than elite females in two attack types (p < 0.01), with RT in females correlating with skill level (r = 0.797, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The light-based electronic target system is a highly reliable tool for assessing fencing response time.
• The system effectively differentiates performance levels between elite and novice fencers.
• This technology can serve as a valuable supplementary measure for performance evaluation and training in fencing.