Reaction time and movement duration influence on end point accuracy in a fast reaching task

In labor and sport physiology a great deal of interest concerns the conceptual model of governance of both rapid and precise target-directed movements. Widely known in the theory of motor control, Fitts’ paradigm determines the time of motion, calculated from the distance to the target and the diameter of the target. However this paradigm does not take into account the time of preparation for movement, which can have a significant impact on accuracy. In addition, the literature highlights little evidence of temporal and spatial asymmetry in the production of fast and accurate movements.The aim of our work was to investigate the influence of the duration of the preparatory phase (reaction time—TR) and duration of protractile motion of the arm (TM) on the speed and accuracy of movement. Also, the individual asymmetry of the temporal characteristics and accuracy of performance of movements were studied. We measured three aspects of translational motion of the arm to the computerized target: reaction time (TR, s), time of motion of the arm (TM, s), and error in the achievement of the target (ΔL, mm). The group of participants consisted of 12 healthy, right-handed, untrained girls, each of whom completed 5 series of 10 discrete movements by each of the left and right arms.Mathematical analysis of the results revealed the existence of five models of performance. Each model was represented in the participant’s performance with different probability. The combination of high speed and high precision when the arm moved towards the target was found only in model 5, which combines a long period of preparation for the movement (TR) and a short time of motion (TM). The probability of its occurrence in the untrained subjects was very low (2–3%). We suggest that it may be possible to develop special methods of training, geared towards the ability to increase the probability of appearance of this model. Asymmetry of motor action appeared clearly evident only in the parameter of accuracy (right arm committed the least errors), especially when the reaction time (TR) and movement time (TM) were close to average values of the sample. This result enables us to recommend this method for the determination of “handedness”. The results allow us to conclude that in the process of development of new motor skills which include both precise and rapid movements we must take into account the initial values of reaction time. We also think that Fitts’ existing formula should be modified by including the parameter of reaction time.

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