Introduction: Vision is a sensory system we use to receive external stimuli. Athletes acquire from 85 to 90 % of information through vision. Elite athletes use different methods to improve reaction time. One of the current methods, which is gaining popularity, is visual training. Therefore, many manufacturers developed visual stimulus devices, which are usually composed of a screen and several light-emitting points. Reaction time is defined as the time between the beginning of a stimulus and the initiation of a reaction to it. Purpose: The purpose of this diploma work was to analyse and compare reaction time measurements, training programs and the effects of visual training on athlete’s reaction time. Methods: Studies used in our work were written in English or Italian language and have been collected from the following literature databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Science Direct. We used the following key words alone or in combination with one another: reaction time, response time, visual stimulus, light stimulus, visual reaction time, measurement, training, exercise, visual training, visual therapy, athletes, sport, tempo di reazione, stimolo visivo. Results: Five studies were included in this diploma work, all of which included control groups. Additionally, two studies also included placebo groups. Altogether four different devices and seven different reaction time measurement protocols have been used in these studies. All of the studies have reported an improvement in reaction time after several weeks’ long training with visual stimuli, four of which have also been statistically significant. A minimum of 540 minutes of visual training was needed for statistically significant improvement of reaction time. Discussion and conclusion: The studies so far indicate a positive effect of visual training on reaction time. On the other hand, it is difficult to extrapolate the results of those studies to the other parts of the population other than the athletes, as the subject is not well researched yet. This kind of exercise should be used not only by sport coaches but also by physical therapists, so the patients can be extra motivated and get feedback about their visual skills.
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