Response Time and Grip Strength as Possible Factors Affecting Children's Catching Performance

Abstract

This investigation was designed to determine the influence of response time (reaction time + movement time) and grip strength on a catching task. 30 boys and 30 girls in Grade 3 were subjects. A standard hand dynamometer was employed to measure grip strength while a unique timing apparatus consisting of two digital stop watches and a strobe light was constructed to measure both reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) while simulating the act of catching. Subjects were allowed 8 attempts to catch a tennis ball which was mechanically projected a distance of 30 ft. Boys were more proficient on the catching task than girls even when adjusting for differences in RT, MT, and grip strength. A significant but weak relationship was found between grip strength and catching performance for the girls.

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