Compatibility of measuring simple reaction time in individuals using computerized and fingertip visuomotor methods

Abstract

Many studies of the reaction time (RT) expressed this index as the interval between the time of signal detection and the beginning of motor response. Reaction time is widely used in various fields of science and practice: RT assessment is an important component of health science, developmental physiology, sports medicine and can increase the thoroughness of health and clinical examinations (Bernstein, 1967; Collins et al., 2003; Henneberg et al., 2001; Kolb & Whishaw, 1995; Lovell et al.,2001; Makdissi et al.,2001; Schendel & Robertson, 2002; Warden et al.,2001).

It is clear that impaired RT has functional relevance given that a rapid RT is necessary for injury avoidance and good professional skill performances. Reaction time assessment is an important component in sports medicine, especially for identification of brain concussion (Broglio & Guskiewicz, 2009; Collie et al.,2006; Collins et al.,2003).

There are 2 main tests that are useful to measure reaction time. The button push reaction time test measures how quickly a participant may click (push) a button. and the fingertip visuomotor test is a procedure for conducting a reaction time test using a ruler.

Advantages of computerized measurement of RT are: 1) that stimulus presentation duration is carefully controlled, 2) the period between stimuli may be easily randomized, and 3) that the time of response is easily measured (Eckner et al., 2010).

Despite the advantages of computerized neuropsychological testing, it has a limited role in practice especially on the playing field (Eckner et al., 2010). Reaction time assessment tools on a computer require specialized software and specific research skills that may limit its usage. The cost of computerized testing, at $669 to $677 per person, makes them unaffordable for many low profile athletes (Grindel, 2006).

It is obvious that the fingertip visuomotor field reaction time test is a very important method that is broadly used in athletic training clinics (Eckner et al., 2009; Eckner et al.,2010; Eckner & et al.,2011a,b,c).

Despite of broad usage of fingertip visuomotor tests measuring RT there is little available information comparing the computerized and fingertip visuomotor methods of determining RT. In other words, the existing literature doesn’t answer the question; is the simple reaction time, tested using the simplified fingertip visuomotor method compatible with the results from the computerized methods in the same individual. We also did not find a clear answer to the question how compatible is fingertip visuomotor method selectively for the dominant and nondominant hands.

The purpose of our study was to determine the individual compatibility of the simplified fingertip visuomotor method of measuring simple RT selectively for the dominant and nondominant hands of untrained healthy young people of high school age.