NEUROMOTOR PROCESSING SPEED, AGILITY AND VISUAL REACTION TIME AS DETERMINANTS OF PSYCHOMOTOR AND TECHNICAL-TACTICAL PERFORMANCE IN PANKRATION ATHLETES

Background and Study Aim. Pankration is a complex combat sport that requires the integration of multiple psychomotor and cognitive skills. These ones include rapid decision-making, coordination and precise motor execution. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between neuromotor processing speed, agility and lower-limb visual reaction time. It also intended to determine the contribution of these elements to psychomotor and technical-tactical performance in competitive Pankration athletes. Material and methods. Sixteen experienced male elite Pankration athletes (mean age 27.63 years), of national and international level, participated in the study. They had a systematic training program, with 4–5 weekly sessions. Agility and neuromotor processing speed were assessed using the Witty system through a computerized agility task (difficulty level 4). Thus, the total completion time, impulse times, number of impulses and consistency indices were measured. Lower-limb visual reaction time was evaluated with the OptoJump system, recording response times for left and right leg across three trials. Technical-tactical performance was assessed in both training (Kato and Agon-Imiepafis exercises) and competition, based on execution quality, tactical adaptation and official scores. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients to investigate associations between psychomotor and technical-tactical parameters (p < 0.05). Results. Descriptive analysis indicated a relatively stable performance profile. So, the total agility time averaged 26.93 s (CV = 8.40%) and mean lower-limb reaction times were 0.501–0.507 s. Agility showed a significant negative correlation with total Kato scores in training (r = –0.589, p = 0.016). This fact suggests that faster directional changes enhance technical-tactical performance. Neuromotor processing speed and visual reaction time exhibited selective, weaker correlations, acting as complementary factors in specific action phases. Technical-tactical performance was more consistent in Agon-Imiepafis exercises and competitions than in isolated drills. Conclusions. Agility proved to be the most consistent psychomotor determinant of technical-tactical performance in Pankration athletes. Neuromotor processing speed and lower-limb visual reaction time contributed selectively. These findings highlight the importance of integrated training programs. Such programs combine agility development, rapid neural processing and visual reaction exercises to optimize performance in combat sports.

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