Effects of variations in force on fractionated reaction time in simple and choice conditions
Ito, M.
Perceptual and Motor Skills 71(2): 595-602
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-5125 PMID: 2251092 Document Number: 366692
The present study examined the effects of force output on fractionated reaction time under simple and choice conditions. 20 subjects were required to react and produce a designated force as soon as possible after a visual stimulus. Five different levels of force were 10, 30, 50, 70, and 90% of the maximum grip strength of the subjects. Analysis showed that reaction time (RT) changed as a function of force in both conditions, with the longest RT occurring at the 70% condition. The same pattern was also evident for premotor time. These findings suggest that the changes in RT with increases in force are mediated predominantly by central rather than peripheral processes.