Evidence from a 60 s Jump Protocol in National Wrestlers on Effects of Short-Term Plyometric Fatigue on Visual and...

Reaction time is a critical determinant of performance in combat sports, where rapid visual and auditory responses are essential for effective offensive and defensive actions. Acute fatigue induced by high-intensity exercises, such as plyometric jumps, may impair neuromuscular efficiency and sensory-motor integration, thereby affecting reaction performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a short-term plyometric fatigue protocol on visual reaction time (VRT) and auditory reaction time (ART) in competitive wrestlers. A total of 36 male U17 National Team Wrestlers (age: 16.2 ± 0.77 years; training experience: 7.2 ± 1.8 years) participated in a repeated-measures study design. VRT and ART were measured before and immediately after a 60 s continuous plyometric jump protocol designed to induce acute fatigue. Reaction times were assessed separately for the right, left, and both sides using a standardized computerized test. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, and effect sizes were calculated using partial eta-squared (η²p). VRT significantly delayed post-fatigue (Both: p=0.019, η²p=0.147; Right: p=0.002, η²p=0.250; Left: p<0.001, η²p=0.273), indicating slower visual responses following the fatigue protocol. In contrast, ART showed no significant changes across any condition (all p>0.19, η²p≤0.048). Short-term plyometric fatigue negatively affects visual reaction performance but does not influence auditory reaction time in wrestlers. These findings suggest that acute fatigue primarily disrupts visual-motor pathways, which may have implications for training and match preparation in combat sports.