Effects of Calisthenics and Life Kinetics on Reaction Time, Balance, and Swimming in Male Swimmers

Participants' performance was assessed using a Selex stopwatch to measure the time (in seconds) taken to swim 15 meters freestyle. Timing started when the swimmer's toes left the starting block and stopped when their head crossed the 15-meter marker. Standard warm-up procedures and competitive swimming rules were followed.

The time (in seconds) required to complete a 25-meter freestyle swim was measured using a Selex SLX 508 digital sports stopwatch. Standard warm-up was completed before testing. Participants were instructed to swim at maximal effort.

Reaction Time (Digital Reaction Test Device) Time Frame: At baseline and after 8 weeks of training Description: Reaction time was measured using a digital reaction test device. In each trial, participants responded to a color change on the screen by touching it as quickly as possible. The test was repeated three times, and the best (shortest) reaction time was recorded in milliseconds (ms).

Static balance was assessed using the Pagani TM stabilometric platform (Elettronica Pagani, Italy). Participants stood barefoot on a 50×50 cm platform surface for 30 seconds in a standardized foot position (30° angle, 2 cm between heels), while focusing on a fixed target at eye level. No external distractions were present during the test.

The following parameters were recorded through the platform's software:

• R-LSD (Right-Left Standard Deviation)
• A-PSD (Anterior-Posterior Standard Deviation)
• M-LMSV (Medial-Lateral Mean Sway Velocity)
• A-PMSV (Anterior-Posterior Mean Sway Velocity)
• CPPL (Center of Pressure Path Length)
• SA (Sway Area) Each participant performed the test once, and the raw values were used for analysis. All data were collected using a computerized system integrated with the stabilometric platform.

Right-left sway was recorded using the Pagani TM stabilometric platform. Higher values indicate poorer balance.

Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)

Anterior-posterior sway was recorded using the Pagani TM stabilometric platform. Higher values indicate poorer balance.

Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)

The average speed of center of pressure movement in the medial-lateral direction during the balance test. Elevated values indicate greater postural instability.

Unit of Measure: millimeters per second (mm/s)

The average velocity of sway in the anterior-posterior direction, calculated from center of pressure data. Higher values represent impaired static balance.

Unit of Measure: millimeters per second (mm/s)

Total length of the trajectory followed by the center of pressure during the 30-second static balance test. Longer path length indicates greater postural sway and poorer balance control.

Unit of Measure: millimeters (mm)

The area covered by the center of pressure trajectory during the test, representing the spatial extent of postural sway. Larger areas suggest reduced postural stability.

Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²)

Dynamic balance was assessed using the Libra (EasyTech) balance platform, which includes interchangeable blocks with three difficulty levels: 12 cm (easy), 24 cm (medium), and 40 cm (hard). For this study, the medium difficulty level with the 24 cm block was selected. Participants performed two separate 30-second trials in a double-leg stance, focusing their gaze on a fixed point located 3 meters away. The best result of the two trials was recorded for analysis.

Seven fundamental balance parameters based on sway area (measured in square millimeters, mm²) and reaction times (measured in milliseconds, ms) were analyzed:

• DBP (Dynamic Balance Performance)
• RSA (Right Sway Area)
• LSA (Left Sway Area)
• ROSA (Right Outer Sway Area)
• LOSA (Left Outer Sway Area)
• RSRT (Right Sway Reaction Time)
• LSRT (Left Sway Reaction Time)

The duration participants were able to maintain balance during the dynamic test on the Libra platform. Shorter durations indicate better balance performance.

Unit of Measure: seconds (s)

The area covered by postural sway on the right side during dynamic balance testing. Higher values represent greater instability.

Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²)

The area covered by postural sway on the left side during dynamic balance testing. Larger sway areas indicate poorer balance performance.

Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²)

The extent of sway beyond the central area on the right side. Increased values signify a loss of postural control.

Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²)

The extent of sway beyond the central area on the left side during dynamic testing. Higher values reflect reduced balance stability.

Unit of Measure: square millimeters (mm²)

The time it took for participants to react and stabilize following a perturbation or sway toward the right. Longer times indicate delayed neuromuscular response and impaired dynamic balance.

Unit of Measure: milliseconds (ms)

The time it took for participants to respond to sway in the left direction during the dynamic balance test. Longer reaction times represent poorer dynamic balance control.

Unit of Measure: milliseconds (ms)