Reactivity, stability and strength performance capacity in motor sports

Heiner Baur ^1*, Steffen Müller ¹, Anja Hirschmüller ², Georg Huber ² and Frank Mayer ¹

¹ University of Potsdam, Institue of Sports Medicine and Prevention, Germany
² University Hospital Freiburg, Medical Clinic, Dep. of Rehabilitative & Preventive Sports Medicine, Germany

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: heiner{at}heinerbaur.de.

Accepted 22 August 2006

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Race car driving requires multifaceted cognitive and physical abilities in a multitasking situation. Knowledge about physical capacities in motor sports athletes could improve fitness and performance.

OBJECTIVE: To compare reaction time, stability performance capacity and strength performance capacity of elite race car drivers with age matched physically active controls.

METHODS: 8 elite race car drivers and 10 age and weight matched physically active controls were tested in a reaction and determination test setting requiring upper and lower extremity action in response to visual and audio cues. Further tests comprised one-legged postural stability on a 2D-moveable platform and maximum strength performance capacity measurements of the extensors of the lower extremity on a leg press and a test of upper extremity force capacity in a sitting position at a steering wheel. An additional upper extremity endurance test comprised isometric work at the steering wheel at +30° and -30° where an eccentric threshold load of 30Nm was applied. Subjects had to hold the end positions above this threshold till the time of exhaustion. Univariate One-way-ANOVA (=0.05) including a Bonferroni's adjustment was used to detect group differences between MS and CO.

RESULTS: Reaction time was shorter in MS compared to CO (p=0.004). The following motor reaction time as well as reaction times in the multiple determination test did not differ between groups. For postural stability, lower extremity extensor strength as well as upper extremity strength and endurance no statistical significant difference was measured (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Fast reaction times seem to be a predisposing factor for motor sports athletes. According to the requirements of race car driving, multitasking, strength performance and sensorimotor performance capacity have to be improved. Systematic exercise regimens should be implemented to improve performance as well as recovery of race car drivers.

Key Words: motor sports, physical performance capabilities, postural stability, reaction time, strength performance capacity

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