Abstract

Having an adequate reaction speed (RS) helps to prepare the brain to face challenges quickly and efficiently. The objective was to compare working memory (WM) and upper limb RV between young tennis players and non-athletic university students. A total of 30 subjects (15 tennis players and 15 non-athletic university students) were evaluated. Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were assessed. HR was assessed using the neural trainer technology and application equipment. MT was assessed using the Vallat-Azouvi scale. Both groups presented similar anthropometric characteristics. There were no differences in the MT indicators (storage, attention and executive function) and in the total scale. In the RV indicators, there was a difference only in the average time. Tennis players presented better performance in relation to non-athlete university students. The relationship between the MT with the average time of the RV, it was observed that in tennis players there was a positive correlation (r = 0.27, p < 0.05) and in non-athletic university students there was a negative relationship (r=-0.10; p > 0.05). Tennis players have a significantly higher RV than non-athletic university students, suggesting that training in this sport improves this skill. However, there were no differences in MT between the groups, suggesting that this cognitive ability is not affected by tennis training.