Neuromotor programming: Bilateral and unilateral effects on simple reaction time

The effect of unilateral and simultaneous bilateral response requirements on fractionated simple reaction time for finger extension and elbow flexion tasks was examined. Twelve neurologically normal, female subjects participated in two blocks of 20 trials in each of the four conditions. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in simple reaction time (SRT) or premotor time (PMT) between unilateral and bilateral elbow flexion responses. In contrast the differences in SRT and PMT between unilateral and bilateral finger extension responses were significant (p < 0.05). A possible explanation in light of the different neural architecture for proximal and distal muscle representation is that elbow flexion responses are able to use a single neuromotor programme for bilateral and/or unilateral responses whereas bilateral finger extension responses require the ‘linking’ of two separate programmes.

[1]  J G Anson,et al.  Memory drum theory: alternative tests and explanations for the complexity effects on simple reaction time. , 1982, Journal of motor behavior.

[2]  R. Chernikoff,et al.  Reaction time to kinesthetic stimulation resulting from sudden arm displacement. , 1952, Journal of experimental psychology.

[3]  Debra J. Rose,et al.  Premotor and Motor Reaction Time As a Function of Response Complexity , 1985 .

[4]  Robert W. Christina,et al.  Simple Reaction Time as a Function of Response Complexity: Christina et al. (1982) Revisited. , 1985 .

[5]  M G Fischman,et al.  Simple reaction time as a function of response complexity: memory drum theory revisited. , 1982, Journal of motor behavior.

[6]  T Ohtsuki,et al.  Increase in Simple Reaction Time of Knee Extension Induced by Simultaneous Bilateral Performance , 1981, Perceptual and motor skills.

[7]  F. Bloom.  Principles of Neural Science, 3rd ed , 1993 .

[8]  F. M. Henry,et al.  Increased Response Latency for Complicated Movements and A “Memory Drum” Theory of Neuromotor Reaction , 1960 .

[9]  Reaction Times and Response Competition between the Right and Left Hands , 1970, The Quarterly journal of experimental psychology.

[10]  Anson Jg,et al.  Effects of moment of inertia on simple reaction time. , 1989 .

[11]  D Goodman,et al.  On the coordination of two-handed movements. , 1979, Journal of experimental psychology. Human perception and performance.

[12]  M. A. Jeeves,et al.  A comparison of interhemispheric transmission times in acallosals and normals , 1969 .

[13]  S Kawabe,et al.  Effects of Force Output and Preparatory Set on Premotor Time of Simultaneous Bilateral Responses , 1989, Perceptual and motor skills.