Mackenzie MeachamAndrew Rome

Sami Showalter

Influence of Red Jersey Color on Physical Parameters in Combat Sports

Journal of Sports & Exercise Psychology, 2013, 35, 44-49

© 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Why Was The Study Done?

“The influence of the color red on perception and behavior has been explored in widely

different contexts.”“The aim of this study was to examine the influence of jersey color on actors during a

combat situation.”

Performance, Attraction, and Video Games

Null Hypothesis

The average score of an individual wearing red would equal the average score of an individual

wearing a different color than red

Ho: μred=μnot red

Alternative Hypothesis

The average score of an individual wearing red would be great than the

average score of an individual wearing a different color than red

Ha:μred>μnot red

Data

• 28 subject were chosen to compete in a fighting situation of pairs.

• Participants were blind to the experiment, though they were asked and had agreed to be a part of the study

• Maximum strength and heart rate were measured.

Data

Means• Height (cm): red=188.14, blue=186• Weight (kg): red=87.26, blue=85.21• Age (years): red=29.42, blue=26• No significant difference between means

Control Group

Maximum strength and heart rate were monitored in participants who wore their normal training uniforms.

Variable group

• Participates used “smash sticks” that had a “large oblong impact surface of the same color as official tae kwon do outfits.”

Procedure

• Measured heart rate with watches• Leg strength- dynamometer• Fighting rules were explained• Fights were 30 seconds long

Statistical testing

• Paired t tests used to analyze data• Compared strength, heart rate, and

performance• Alpha (α) equaled .05

Results

• Significant difference between red and blue:– Heart (before and after combat) t(27)=2.55 p(one

tailed)<.001– Strength (before combat) t(27)=1.92 p(one

tailed)=.026• No influence of jersey color on performance t(27)=.18, p=.86

• No sig. difference on RPE scale t(27)=.61, p=.55

Average Heart Rates Per Minute

Maximum Strength in kg

Conclusion

• The person wearing red performed higher in strength and heart rate.

• Doesn’t necessarily lead to better performance on new task