FEATURES OF SENSORIMOTOR INTEGRATION AND LABILITY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN E-ATHLETES

Abstract

Abstract. Aim. The paper aims to compare psychophysiological characteristics between E-athletes and hockey players aged 19–24 years. Materials and methods. The study involves E-athletes (n = 9) and hockey players (n = 12) aged 19–24 years, who are participants of the corresponding sports leagues for university students. The paper is based on the data obtained with psychophysiological and physiological measurements. Response time (ms) and response accuracy (Whipple coefficient) were recorded as a result of simple and complex visual motor response tests. Lability and nervous system measurements were performed with the tapping test. The functional status of the nervous system was identified through the simple visual motor response test and the noise resistance test. The Luscher color test was used for psychological assessment; dynamic attention data were also obtained. Results. Regardless of sports activities, the functional status of the nervous system in athletes was defined as moderate. Psychological measurements were also within reference values. There were no significant differences in the levels of dynamic attention with respect to sports activities. However, E-athletes were characterized by higher response time (noise), lower accuracy (choice reaction, noise) (p < 0.05), high lability of nervous centers (hand muscles) and powerful nervous processes. Conclusion. The lability of the nervous system and the system power are selective criteria for E-athletes as far as they define the speed of hand movements. The features of virtual reality and sports skills affect noise resistance and accuracy in choice reactions.