Specifics of sensorimotor processes in athletes in view of specialization

The indicators that characterize the functional state of the central nervous system are the most interesting for studying the physiological mechanisms of regulation of motor activity in athletes. An optimal functional state of the central regulatory mechanisms is a prerequisite for effective work under extreme conditions, elite sport being one of them. Indicators of sensorimotor reactions of varying levels of complexity are objective criteria of the current functional state of the central nervous system. Implementation of a sensorimotor reaction is associated with the formation of a rather complex functional system consisting of various units, their number and degree of involvement depends on the type of activity being carried out. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychophysiological features of sensorimotor processes in female athletes depending on their specialization. In addition to better speed and stability of the motor and sensory response, accuracy of purposeful movements, good mental stability, a sufficient level of warming-up and muscle strength, girls doing sports were proved to have the best indicators of strength of the nervous processes. At the same time, the stipulated features are associated with the specific motor actions prevailing in various sports. The level of warming-up was proved to be higher in track and field athletes than that of team athletes. Track and field athletes have the strongest attention focusing ability, whereas sustained attention was the lowest in this group.