SENSORIMOTOR REACTIONS AND SEGMENTAL BODY COMPOSITION IN ESPORTS ATHLETES, IT SPECIALISTS, AND UNTRAINED INDIVIDUALS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2522-1795.2026.20.1.17Keywords:
sensorimotor reactions, bioelectrical impedance analysis, segmental body composition, esports athletes, IT specialistsAbstract
Introduction. Reaction time is a common psychophysiological indicator of sensorimotor efficiency and information-processing speed. Its variability may reflect not only the stability of cognitive and motor components, but also response strategies. Body composition, as an integral marker of somatic and metabolic status, is increasingly considered a potential factor of neurocognitive performance. Purpose. To examine sensorimotor responses in relation to segmental body composition parameters in men with different activity profiles (esports athletes, IT specialists, and untrained individuals).
Materials and methods. 41 men aged 17–25 years were examined: esports athletes (n=14), IT specialists (n=13), and untrained individuals (n=14). Simple visual–motor reaction (SVMR), one-of-three choice reaction (CR1–3), and two-of-three choice reaction (CR2–3) were assessed using the “Diagnost-1” system. Segmental body composition (fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass, predicted muscle mass) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data are presented as Me [25%; 75%]; Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman correlation were applied.
Results. In esports athletes, a greater fat component was associated with higher variability of CR1–3 (lower stability of simple choice responding). Higher fat-free and predicted muscle mass were linked to a longer motor component of SVMR and greater CR1–3 variability, but to shorter latency and lower variability of CR2–3, indicating faster and more stable performance in complex choice tasks and suggesting group-specific structural–functional relationships. In IT specialists, a greater fat component was associated with higher SVMR variability, whereas higher fat-free and predicted muscle mass were associated with reduced CR2–3 variability (greater stability of complex choice responding). In untrained men, fat-free and predicted muscle mass were not related to psychophysiological measures; a greater fat component was associated with a longer motor component of SVMR and CR1–3.
Conclusions. Group-specific associations between body composition and sensorimotor responding were identified, which may support differentiated functional assessment and individualized preventive/corrective approaches in men with different activity profiles.
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