Francesca Martusciello1,2, Alfredo Brancucci1, Arben Kacurri3, Sead Bushati3, Aldo Macalliau3, Andrea Perazzetti4, Antonio Tessitore1
1University of Rome "Foro Italico", Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
2University of Verona, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement, National PhD Programme in Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, Verona, Italy
3Sports University of Tirana, Sports Research Institute, Tirana, Albania
4Telematic University Giustino Fortunato, Faculty of Law, Degree Course in Sciences of Motor Activities, Sports and Psychomotor Education, Benevento, Italy
Effects of a 5-Week Boxing Training Program on Visual Motor Reaction Time and Functional Laterality in Novice Female University Students
Sport Mont 2026, 24(3), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.261005
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.
Keywords
university student, female boxing, visual motor reaction time, functional laterality, percep- tual-motor performance
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