Effects of a 5-Week Boxing Training Program on Visual Motor Reaction Time and Functional Laterality in Novice Female University Students

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a 5-week boxing training program on visual motor reaction time, functional lateral- ity, and psychological variables in female university students with no prior boxing experience. Thirty-one participants were assigned to either an experimental group, which completed 10 boxing sessions over 5 weeks, or a control group. Visual-motor reaction time (VMRT) was assessed using the FitLight Trainer™ system under simple (SRT) and complex reaction time (CRT) conditions, performed from both left- and right-sided stances. The lateralization index (LI) was calculated; self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-defence confidence were assessed; and exertion and enjoyment were recorded in the experimental group. No significant changes in SRT or psychological variables. Significant interactions emerged for CRT (mean difference =32.85ms, p=0.007), indicating side-specific adaptations. In addition, LI increased significantly over time (p=0.034) and indicated greater lateral asymmetry in the experimental group (p=0.015). Partici- pants in the training group also reported moderate exertion (4.34±2.57) and high enjoyment (6.45±0.95). These findings suggest that short-term boxing training in female students’ novice to boxing may not be sufficient to improve basic reaction speed or psychological outcomes, but it may influence perceptual–decision processes and functional laterality in a task-specific manner.