Fractioned reaction time as a function of response force

The relationship between fractionated reaction time components and response force was studied in a simple reaction time task. Subjects squeezed a force transducer between the right thumb and index finger. Three conditions with 5, 25, and 50% of the maximum voluntary isometric force were investigated in a counterbalanced order. The results showed that premotor reaction time was negatively related to peak force amplitude, while motor reaction time remained constant across force conditions. An interpretation of the effect on premotor reaction time in terms of a shift in the speed-accuracy trade-off function was refuted. Although the data were consistent with a two-stage programming model, it was concluded that differences in motor nerve fiber conduction velocity as a function of response force could explain the results obtained.

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