Warm-up Research Articles

Neuromuscular Warm-Up is Associated with Fewer Overuse Injuries in Ballet Dancers Compared to Traditional Ballet-Specific Warm-Up.

Neuromuscular warm-up exercises (NMWU) have been shown to prevent injuries. In dance, research on warming-up is scarce. We investigated warm-up habits among ballet dancers and the effects of NMWU and traditional ballet-specific warm-up (TBSWU) on injuries. Using a cross-sectional survey among ballet dancers over the age of 18 years, we recorded acute and overuse injuries sustained in the previous 2 years. Warm-up behavior was assessed through 28 items. Dancers were grouped into NMWU or TBSWU: NMWU was based on neuromuscular warm-up programs in sports science and included exercises improving strength, power, proprioception, sensorimotor control, or cardiovascular stimulus; and TBSWU consisted of stretching, dance-technical exercises, marking steps and running-through-choreographies, or stretching with tools. Separate linear regression analyses adjusted for confounding factors were performed for acute and overuse injuries. A total of 192 dancers (26.7 ± 7.82 years, 159 females, 132 professionals) reported 203 acute and 469 overuse injuries. In total, 47.4% of dancers always warmed up (mean duration 20.7 ± 13.2 minutes) based on stretching (63%), technical-exercises (58.9%), strength-training (54.7%), and the barre (53.6%); and 9.4% never warmed up. A total of 31 dancers (16.15%) were classified as TBSWU, 16 dancers (8.3%) for NMWU, and 145 dancers did combined exercises. Those in the NMWU group were associated with fewer overuse injuries compared to those in the TBSWU group (β = -2.34; 95%CI -3.54 to -1.14). No association was found with acute injuries. As in other athletes, NMWU might be protective against overuse injuries in dancers. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are needed to gain more insight into NMWU as a possible component of injury prevention in ballet.

LESÕES ESPORTIVAS E REABILITAÇÃO EM PRATICANTES DE CORRIDA

ABSTRACT Introduction Independent athletes and sports enthusiasts are subject to injuries due to several factors, such as neglect of physical preparation, lack of knowledge of the evolutionary progression of load intensity, and deficient stretching. Running is a popular sport in China, and the knowledge of the injuries caused by this group of fans may guide awareness behaviors to prevent accidents in sports practice. Objective Evaluate the injuries and rehabilitation of runners. Methods A total of 265 ordinary chinese runners (166 men) were selected as research subjects. Information on running sports injury characteristics, subjective perception of the causes of runners’ injuries, prevention and rehabilitation methods in runners’ injuries were evaluated. Results The knee joint has the highest proportion of injuries (26.73%), followed by foot injuries (13.11%) and ankle injuries (10.65%). Pain after exercise was reported by 38.12% of the runners, while 21.89% felt pain during the race. Conclusion Warm-up exercises are recommended before sports practice. Protective equipment can reduce the probability of injuries. Such equipment is considered a method of treatment and prevention with greater satisfaction and better adherence among runners. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Keluhan Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Pada Pekerja Di Kantor Jambi Ekspress

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a medical condition in which the central nerve is compressed in the wrist which results in numbness and muscle weakness in the hand. Workers at the Jambi Express Office work with intense computer use for 5-6 hours. so you are at risk of experiencing CTS. The research objective was to determine the factors associated with CTS. This research was a quantitative study with a cross sectional design. The research population is all workers in Jambi Ekspress as many as 41 people. The research sample was workers at Jambi Ekspress who used computers, namely as many as 30 people. As many as 36.7% of respondents experienced CTS, 76.6% of respondents worked with wrong hand posture, 100% of respondents did not make repetitive movements, 73.3% of respondents had years of service old category. The results of the bivariate analysis showed that there was a relationship between length of service (p=0.014) and CTS. There is no relationship between awkward hand postures (p = 1.000) and repetitive movements (p = 0.069) with CTS.. It is expected that workers do warm-up exercises for five minutes before starting work. Take regular breaks by bending and straightening your wrists for at least 3-5 minutes.

OBSERVAÇÃO DA RESISTÊNCIA MUSCULAR EM MONTANHISTAS SOB DIFERENTES TREINAMENTOS DE CARGA

ABSTRACT Introduction Mountaineering is a very healthy reasoning sport event that focuses on intelligence and physical strength, climbing rock walls with the hands. Objective Observe the specific indicators of upper limb strength in mountaineering. Methods Athletes from a rock-climbing training team were selected as the research subjects (N=12, M=6). Before the formal experimental test, the subjects performed 30-minute warm-up exercises, including stretching and jogging. Results The negative correlation between sports performance and maximum heart rate after a 15-meter speed climb indicates that the higher the heart rate mobilized in sport, the better the exercise performance. Similarly, was observed the positive correlation between athletic performance and blood lactate at 3 minutes after a 15-meter climb, i.e., the higher the blood lactate during exercise, the worse the athletic performance. Conclusions The higher the climbing speed and the lower the blood lactate, the better the athletic performance. Thus, athletes with high training levels and solid athletic ability can achieve a higher maximum heart rate level during exercise. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

Immediate Effects of Static Stretching Versus Dynamic Warm up Exercises on Vertical Jump Test in 12 to 16 Years School Students: A Comparative Study

The static stretching has been found to enhance flexibility and reduce muscle tension, and dynamic warm up exercises raises core body and deep muscle temperatures, stimulates the nervous system, decreases the inhibition of antagonist muscles, and possibly reduces the risk of injury. Children are often encouraged to participate in some type of warm-up before vigorous physical activity, Warm-up is one of the most common practices at the beginning of Physical Education (PE) classes in schools. The aim of the study was to compare the immediate effects of static stretching versus dynamic warm-up exercises on vertical jump performance in 12 – 16 years school students. The 100 Participant (Boys and Girls) were taken, aged between 12 years to 16 years in 2 groups as Group A static stretching (n = 50) and Group B dynamic warm up exercises (n = 50). The pre assessment was taken before intervention and post assessment was taken after intervention. The study revealed an improvement in vertical jump performance in both intra groups (group A and group B). However, the results of the intergroup study revealed that dynamic warm-up exercises (group B) are more effective than static stretching (group A) in improving vertical jump performance in school students.

Adaptive or adapted to: Sequence and reflexive thematic analysis to understand learners' self‐regulated learning in an adaptive learning analytics dashboard

AbstractThe real‐time and granularized learning information and recommendations available from adaptive learning technology can provide learners with feedback that is personalized. However, at an individual level, learners often experience technological and pedagogical conflicts. Learners have more freedom to accept, ignore or reject the feedback while also having the challenges of building learning strategies and utilizing learning information that requires self‐regulated learning skills. Given the conflicts, both understanding how learners learn and providing support for learners to be more self‐regulated in the learning environment are imperative. This investigation explores how learners processed their learning in an adaptive technology‐integrated learning analytics dashboard (ALAD). It employed mixed‐methods using a lens of self‐regulated learning (SRL). Three groups were identified based on clustering analysis of the learners' usage of warm‐up (WU) tests. Sequence analysis revealed the time trends of each group's interactions with course content. Reflexive thematic analysis brought insights on how learners built their learning strategies (eg, ways of using WU tests and submodule assessments) and how they monitored and controlled their learning. It showed their dynamic interactions with core adaptive learning analytics dashboard elements. Challenges such as difficulties in rehearsing and monitoring through segmented course content arose from the new structural changes. We suggest the need of future improvement to individual learning support through the learning analytics dashboard to be more diverse and dynamic (real‐time) over the course of learning while reducing potential undesirable consequences. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic One purpose of learning analytics and adaptive learning is to help learners identify learning goals and take action to achieve their goals. Learning analytics intervention showed support in learners' reflection phase SRL. However, it is not clear how to better support actionable and strategic changes to learning. Learning improvement through learning analytics interventions varies depending on how learners utilize feedback and monitor their learning progress, interacting with their digital learning environments. What this paper adds Learners established certain learning strategies with core adaptive learning analytics dashboard elements (eg, use of assessments, monitoring strategies). Learners' perceptions about learning support from the ALAD were built by interacting with the learners' task and cognitive conditions. Based on the perceptions, individuals' various SRL strategies and the need for diverse support were found. Monitoring and rehearsals can be challenging when course content is broken down for individuals' support. Implications for practice and/or policy Courses with adaptive learning analytics dashboards need to be designed more carefully, considering possible undesirable consequences, and to improve SRL support. Learners need more diverse learning support at an individual level based on how they interact with the learning environment.

Warming-Up with Playful Routines

Art educators commonly incorporate warm-up exercises into their classroom routine. This illustrated text presents how incorporating play and humor into the warm-up ritual can reduce students’ anxiety and support creative thinking. In addition to sharing practical examples that she has used in K-12 and higher education settings, the author also provides research on the connection between playful cognitive activity and innovative problem solving. She highlights scholars who suggest that appreciating metaphorical humor and creative thinking both involve discovering unanticipated connections between seemingly unrelated things.

Designing Positive Experiences in Creative Workshops at Work Using a Warm UP Set Based on Psychological Needs

With working from home becoming more normalized, creative workshops are increasingly taking place in digital and hybrid form. However, participants are usually less engaged and motivated in these contexts. This is due to less physical presence and activity, complex technical systems and a lack of social interaction and communication. This leaves the facilitators with the challenge that these creative workshops are sometimes not experienced as positively, and therefore participants are not able to work as creatively. An important approach that can strengthen these factors in workshops is the use of warm-ups as a type of playful intervention. Although some research on and compilations of warm-ups exist and may help the situation, they do not yet provide direction on how to specifically promote a positive experience in creative workshops with warm-ups. An important link here is user experience research, which assumes that positive experiences are due to the fulfilment of psychological needs. Based on research about warm-ups and playful interventions in general, we derive categories for classifying warm-ups that can potentially address several specific psychological needs. Then, 28 warm-ups are selected according to their applicability in analogue, digital and hybrid application spaces. Moreover, those 28 warm-ups are assigned to the two most relevant classifying categories. The results are mapped in the form of a ready-to-use Warm UP Set, which is then evaluated for applicability from the facilitators’ perspective and regarding the influence on the emotional experience of the participants. The evaluation shows that the developed Warm UP Set with its categories seems to be suitable to support facilitators in systematically inducing positive experiences in participants in creative workshops.

Professional Ballet Dancers’ Balance Ability and Psychological Traits and States: A Longitudinal Pilot Study

Introduction:Professional dancers are committed to dancing despite their injuries and mood changes. Therefore, dancers’ balance ability should be evaluated as an objective indicator of the quality of their dance/dancing ability.Objective:We aimed to examine the relationship between the balance ability of professional ballet dancers and their psychological traits and states by serotonin polymorphism, using pressure and center of gravity sensors.Methods:Five female professional dancers participated in this three-month longitudinal pilot study. The dancers’ stress status was assessed each month on three conditional days to gauge stress conditions. Before and after their standard warm-up exercises, the dancers’ center of gravity was assessed while standing and posing in ballet-specific positions, and psychological questionnaire surveys were conducted to assess the level of anxiety and objective stress. After all observations were completed, serotonin polymorphism was analyzed as one of the psychological traits.Results:All participants possessed the s/s-type (short type) serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism, indicating high sensitivity to stress. Their average trait anxiety score was 50.80±8.47. However, all participants were able to be calm, had no injuries, and maintained a stable center of gravity throughout the study period.Conclusion:Throughout the study, from ordinary practice to the time of the approaching ballet performance, the participants maintained stable balance ability regardless of their psychological traits and states of mind. It is unlikely that reactions to stress and psychological traits affected professional dancers’ physicality. Thus, continuous assessment of the balance between mental and physical aspects enhances performance management.

Effectiveness of Warm-Up Exercises with Tissue Flossing in Increasing Muscle Strength.

Tissue flossing is an increasingly popular method in physiotherapy and sports. There is a belief that tissue flossing can improve range of motion and muscle strength, shorten muscle recovery time, and reduce the risk of injury. The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of tissue flossing for immediately improving muscle strength in recreational athletes when it is performed during warm-up. All participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 36) or a control group (n = 34) using a random number generator. The experimental group (n = 36) performed an intervention comprising exercises with muscle tissue flossing and exercises without flossing. The control group (n = 30) performed the same protocol without a floss band. Muscle strength was measured for knee flexion end extension at three speeds (60, 120, and 180 °/s) 3 times. Analysed parameters include peak torque, work, and power related to body weight, flexors–extensors ratio, and time to peak torque. There were no significant changes in the muscle strength parameters from before to after the warm-up in either group (p > 0.05). Significantly lower values of peak torque, work, and power were observed in the experimental group during the warm-up with the floss band applied to muscles (p < 0.05). No clinically significant changes in time to peak torque or flexors–extensors ratio were observed. A single application of flossing does not improve muscle strength or power and can even reduce individuals’ maximum muscle strength capabilities.

The Effectiveness of Trunk and Balance Warm-up Exercises in Prevention, Severity, and Length of Limitation From Overuse and Acute Lower Limb Injuries in Male Volleyball Players.

BackgroundInjuries in volleyball players are most common in the ankles and knees. Many volleyball players suffer from overuse injuries because of the strain placed on the lower extremities from repeated jumping. A characteristic of players who are most at risk for lower extremity injuries is the tendency to display trunk instability during landing, such as lateral flexion and rotation. Research has shown the effectiveness of exercise-based warm-up interventions for acute volleyball injuries. However, comprehensive analyses on the use of lower extremity, trunk, and balance programs to prevent overuse injuries are lacking.PurposeTo examine the effects of trunk and balance warm-up exercises on the prevention, severity, and length of limitation of overuse and acute lower limb injuries in male volleyball players.Study DesignProspective, single-cohort study.MethodsThis study involved the 2019 (control group) and 2021 (intervention group) male volleyball teams. The control and intervention groups were on the same team; however, seven players joined in 2021 through a sports referral program through which different players are recruited. Measurements included injury incidence rate, injury severity, and injury burden. The intervention involved the addition of trunk and balance exercises during the 2021 season.ResultsThere was no significant difference in injury incidence rates between groups. Injury severity decreased by 3.7 days for overuse injuries (p=0.04). Injury burden decreased by 11.8 (days/1000 player hours) overall and by 7.1 (days/1000 player hours) for overuse injuries.ConclusionThe results show that an exercise-based warm-up aimed at improving trunk posture during landing did not reduce the incidence rate of injury in men’s volleyball. However, the addition of this warm-up did significantly reduce the severity of overuse injury.Level of EvidenceLevel 3B

Acute Effect of Different Warm-up Methods on Isometric Muscle Endurance of the Finger Flexors and Climbing Performance in Sport Climbers

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether foam roller, preexhaustion, and static stretching had any effect on isometric muscular endurance of the finger flexors and climbing performance in sport climbers. METHODS Nine sport climbers who were able to perform at a climbing difficulty of 5.11d, were included in this study. Warm-up exercise consisted of myofascial release, pre-exhaustion exercises, and static stretching. Grip and back strengths were measured for muscular strength, and isometric muscular endurance of the finger flexors was measured as the time spent hanging on each hold according to the angle of the elbow joint. Repeated measures of ANOVA were performed to confirm the difference in treatment, and a significant difference between groups was confirmed by contrast test. RESULTS Myofascial release, pre-exhaustion, and static stretching before climbing did not affect muscle strength. However, the static stretching exercise significantly decreased isometric muscle endurance of the finger flexor at 90° open hold, and the pre-exhaustion exercise significantly decreased the hanging time at 180° crimp and slope grips. There was no effect on climbing performance according to the type of warm-up exercise. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that various warm-up exercises did not directly affect muscle strength, muscular endurance, and climbing performance in sport climbers. Thus, we suggest that future research on complex warm-up exercises considering climbing postures should be conducted.

What is the Most Important Percentage of Pressure in Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up Exercises for Children?

It has been observed that device inspiratory muscle warm-up exercises (IMW-D), which has started to take place in general warm-up in recent years, contribute to performance in a positive fashion. In the literature, IMW-Ds are usually performed with 40% of maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). There is not a single study explaining or determining the best percentage of MIP in both acute and chronic studies on IMW-Ds in the literature. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the most important pressure percentage to improve respiratory parameters in IMW-Ds. A total of 40 athletes with licenses in a federation between the ages of 12-14 participated in the study. Participants underwent IMW-D with a powerbreathe plus respiratory exercise device at 15%, 30%, 40%, 45%, 50% and 60% of the MIP on different days, and immediately following these exercises were performed with a spirometer, respiratory parameters were measured as (FVC, FEV1, PEF). Kruskal Wallis H test was used in order to determine the difference between measurements. As a result of statistical analysis, it was found that while there was significant difference in PEF values between 15% and 40%, 45% of MIP; and the highest improvement was 45%, 50% and 60% of MIP in FVC, FEV1 and PEF values. It can be suggested that sedentary people and athletes who want to improve their respiratory parameters can also train with 45%, 50% and 60% of MIP without depending on 40% of the MIP applied only as given in the literature for a higher improvement in their IMW-D.

PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS FOR WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN

PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS FOR WARMING UP AND COOLING DOWN

A Minimalistic Exercise Program Without Equipment Improves Global Strength, Endurance And Flexibility In Untrained Persons

Introduction: Physical fitness is a major requirement for soldiers to conduct demanding training programs but also to perform tasks on the battlefield. As soldiers for the German Army are recruited from a population which may have developed physical deficits already in school age, there is a high probability that a yet undefined range of soldiers is not in an adequate physical condition at the time of deployment. The time between application and deployment offers therefore a possibility to develop strength, endurance and flexibility via a defined training program. Purpose: To validate the effectiveness of a standardized 4-week training program designed to improve general strength, endurance and flexibility capacities in untrained and sedentary active persons. Methods: The exercise plan was designed for a time time frame of 4 weeks and 4 training sessions per week with volume and intensity progression. Each session lasted 45 min containing a variable mixture of extensive running and bodyweight exercises without any equipment. These consisted basic flexibility routines for warmup, static and dynamic bodyweight strength exercises include abdominal exercises, pushups, planks, lunges and unilateral variations of these exercises. 9 sedentary active persons (8 females, 1 male) (Age: 34 ± 15, Bodyheight: 171 ± 7 cm, Bodyweight: 69 ± 7 kg) were recruited to participate in the training intervention. Basic strength, endurance and flexibility diagnostics were conducted PRE and POST the study. Statistic evaluation was carried out using two-sided, dependent T-Tests with an alpha level of p < =0.05. Results: Subjects performed in mean 74% of all exercises. 1RM significantly increased in benchpress (p < 0.01) from 32,2 + - 7,5 kg to 36 + - 9,5 kg. Time to exhaustion increased (p = 0.021) from in mean 14,7 to 16,0 min. Peak power output on the ergometer tendencially increased (p = 0.051) from 155 + -33 to 166 + -30 Watts. Knee to-wall tests indicated increased flexibility (p < 0.05) development in both knees from 11,8 + - 3,6 cm to 13,4 + - 2,9 cm (left knee) and from 11,7 + - 3,3 to 13,7 + - 2,9 cm (right knee). Conclusion: The developed training procedure is sufficient to induce significant improvements of physical performance in untrained persons even with moderate reductions in training time and without equipment.

EXAMINING THE WARM-UP KNOWLEDGE LEVELS AND SPORTIVE PERFORMANCE OF TENNIS PLAYERS

This study was carried out to determine the knowledge levels and sportive performances of the athletes playing tennis in the Eastern Anatolia Region. The research group consists of 167 volunteer athletes in licensed national/international tournaments in the Eastern Ana­tolia Region, Malatya. “Personal Information Form” and “Athlete Warm-up Habit” scale form, which determines the warming habits of athletes, were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package program. The significance level was accepted as p&lt;0.05. Of the athletes in the study, 54.5% had muscle-joint injuries, 79% did warm-up exercises, 58.1% did warm-up exercises between 11-20 minutes, and 42.5% had continuous warm-up exercises. It was determined that they did cool-down exercises, and 41.9% of them did cool-down exercises between 11-20 minutes. 91% of the research group stated that warm-up exercises reduce the risk of athlete injury, and 85% stated that warm-up exercises positively affect the joint areas and improve the athlete's range of mo­tion. It was determined that the mean score of the knowledge level of warming habits of the research group was at a reasonable level of 73.80±10.52.

Comparison of Measured and Observed Exercise Fidelity during a Neuromuscular Training Warm-Up

Neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up programs effectively prevent injuries in youth, but monitoring exercise fidelity is challenging. The purpose of this study was to compare the exercise fidelity as measured via an inertial measurement unit (IMU) with direct observations of selected exercises. Youth basketball and soccer players performed single leg jumps, squat jumps, Nordic hamstring curls, and/or single leg balance exercises as part of an NMT warm-up. An IMU was placed on the lower back of each participant and the warm-up was video recorded. A physiotherapist evaluated the volume aspect of exercise fidelity (i.e., performing the prescribed number of repetitions) using the video recordings and a checklist. Algorithms were developed to count the number of repetitions from the IMU signal. The repetitions from the algorithms were compared with the physiotherapist’s evaluation, and accuracy, precision, and recall were calculated for each exercise. A total of 91 (39 female, 52 male) athletes performed at least one of the four warm-up exercises. There was an accuracy, precision, and recall of greater than 88% for all exercises. The single leg jump algorithm classified all sets correctly. IMUs may be used to quantify exercise volume for exercises that involve both impact during landing and changes in orientation during rotations.

Erken Cumhuriyet Döneminde Köy Okullarında Beden Terbiyesi Dersi (1923-1950)

The Republic of Turkey focused on villages and villagers and made various efforts for their prosperity. One of those efforts was revising the curriculum of village schools. The curriculum of village schools did not have a physical training course (gymnastics) in the past. However, the Republic of Turkey added it to the curriculum as a separate course. Students did physical training with music for 20 minutes in the morning. However, they did rather simple warm-up exercises because the lesson was too short and therefore unproductive. In contrast, schools focused on agriculture and handicraft courses, which were more suited to village life. The two important sources of the content of the physical training courses (gymnastics) in village schools were written by Selim Sırrı (Tarcan), a prominent name in Turkish sports, and the other by Fuat Pura, a physical training teacher. However, they rather focused on different issues. The physical training course in village schools never reached its goal.

Plantar Venous Pump Activity, Generalized Joint Hypermobility, and Foot Mobility in Ballerinas: A Case-Control Study.

The plantar venous pump (PVP) is a vascular network located between the muscles of the foot arch. It has been suggested foot mobility is critical for PVP activation. This study investigates the effect of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas and to determine how a short-term warm-up exercise impacts these parameters in the presence of GJH. Prospective study. Twelve ballerinas (age = 16.73 [1.8]y) and 15 non-dancer-matched controls (age = 16.31 [2.1]y) were included. When performing weight-bearing activities, venous return parameters (diameter, velocity, and flow volume) from the posterior tibial vein were measured using color and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Foot mobility was determined using navicular drop test. The participants performed a 10-minute cycling exercise to reveal its effect on reducing tissue stiffness. All measurements were performed synchronously and twice-before and after the cycling exercise. The results showed the navicular height obtained before and after exercise in the ballerinas was significantly different compared with that obtained in the sitting position, and the values obtained in the 3 measurement positions in the nondancer group were significantly different from each other (P < .05). The difference between the venous diameter values measured before and after exercise and the reference value was significant in both groups (P < .001). There was a significant decrease in venous velocity following exercise in the nondancer group (P = .044). The venous volume values obtained after exercise were significantly different between the groups (P = .039). The GJH has no distinctive effect on foot mobility and PVP activity in ballerinas. The presence of GJH did not influence the effect of short-term warm-up exercise on foot mobility and PVP activity. We believe that measuring the navicular drop and venous return with a more precise synchronization may provide additional information regarding the link between arch tension and venous return.

CHANGES IN THE PSYCHOMOTOR REACTIONS OF SIX AND SEVEN-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WHEN APPLYING PHYSICAL THERAPY

The aim of the research is to evaluate the change in the psychomotor reactions of six and seven-year-old children when applying physical therapy. The research involved children at the age of six and seven years. It aimed at evaluating both the change in the speed of the psychomotor reactions of these children’s free upper limbs to light while applying physical therapy, and the change in the speed of the psychomotor reactions of free upper limbs to sound while applying physical therapy. The research sample consisted of 270 children. Methods. The research data was collected by employing a method of testing using a reactiometer. The surveyed were divided into two research groups, which underwent different programmes in physical therapy exercises twice a week for the duration of six weeks. Group 1 underwent a physical therapy exercise programme comprising introductory, main and final parts (warm-up exercises, exercises developing coordination, and relaxation exercises); Group 2 also underwent a physical therapy programme comprising introductory, main and final parts (warm-up exercises, exercises developing the coordination, and exercises developing the psychomotor reactions to light and sound as well as relaxation exercises). The research data (testing) was collected before starting applying the physical therapy programme, and six weeks later. Results. The research results revealed that the results between the groups differed. The average reaction time was shorter in Group 2, which means that the tasks were completed faster. In Group 1, the shortest reaction time was 283 ms, and the longest was 650 ms. In Group 2, the shortest reaction time was 284 ms, and the longest was 456 ms. Conclusions. When applying physical therapy jointly with purposive exercises that develop the speed of psychomotor reactions, results can be achieved over the shortest period of time substantiated in scientific papers, i.e. six weeks.