As per the studies the college going students use their phone on an average of 6-7 hours a day. The screen time affects the overall health of the students. The study aims to determine if increased screen time affects reaction time in basketball players. Data was collected from the team of basketball players, measuring their daily screen usage and reaction time using the Ruler Drop Test. Their screen time duration is recorded and correlated with reaction time test results. Findings suggest a statistically significant association between prolonged screen exposure and delayed reaction times, highlighting the potential impact of digital device usage on reaction to the quick challenges faced among basketball players. These results emphasize the need for balanced screen usage and raise awareness about the potential consequences of excessive screen time on reaction time. The higher duration of screen exposure to the mobile lower is the reaction time in basketball players.
Smartphones, PC, tablets, and TV have become integral parts of our lives. Smartphone in particular is the lifeline of everyone, regardless of their age group. The evolution of the smartphone has made it useful as the pocket PC. India has 1166.05 million active data users in the wireless or wired format in 2022, as per press release of TRAI (Telecom regulatory authority of INDIA)
Active Male Basket ball players
Age between 20 to 25 years
Electronic gadget users
Any recent hospitalisation
On medications for neurological problems
Not Playing Basket ball from 3 days or more
13 basket ball players were included in the study who met the inclusion criteria, the time duration of the mobile, laptop and tv screen time exposure were extracted from the players and was documented in minutes from their mobile usage history for each day. The reaction time of the basket ball players were evaluated using the ruler drop test and the data was recorded in CMS.
The ruler was held vertical with the zero marking on the bottom of the ruler which is placed just above to the palm with forearm in mid prone position, the players were instructed to catch the ruler as early as possible when it is dropped down without intimation. The marking which lies at the level of index finger after catching the ruler was considered and noted. The data obtained was further analysed to find whether screen time exposure duration has any correlation with reaction time in the players.
The analysis of data using pearsons correlation showed that the there was a correlation between the screen time exposure and reaction time (r = 0.580891) in the basket ball players. As the exposure time of screen increased, there was increase in the reaction time in basket ball players.
From the present study it shows that the basket ball players who had exposure to the mobile use had significant decrease in the reaction time. Reaction time is very essential in the outdoor games involving the quick responses for the successful game play. The study done by Ashuthosh et al shows that there is a relation ship existing between screen exposure and reaction time. Even with physical activity in the basket ball players the reaction time was reduced due to the Overuse of smartphone is increasing, resulting in a great deal of physical and psychological effects. It is found to negatively impact health and increase the risk of stress, depression, and anxiety. In addition to this, sleep disorders, restlessness, and fatigue are also being reported which can lead to cognitive impairment
It is concluded that more exposure to screens through electronic gadgets could lead to decrease in the reaction time in basketball players.