reaction time

reaction time definition

the time between the onset of the stimulus and the start if the movement in response to it.

e.g 100m sprint - time between gun and sprinter putting pressure on the starting blocks

movement time definition

the time it takes from starting the movement to completing it

100m sprint - time between first pressing on the start blocks and finishing the race

response time defined

time between the onset of the stimulus and the completion of the movement

reaction time + moevemtn time = response time

eg. 100m sprint - time between the gun going off and the runner completing the face

difference between simple and choice reaction time? HICKS LAW

simple reaction time - is relevant to a single stimulus and a single possible response

choice reaction time - several stimuli are given but only one must be selected for a response

• the more choices a person has, the kore infromation needs processing, and the longer it takes to process the information

• the slower the reaction time

factors affecting reaction time

• gender - men seem to have better reaction time/ peak later

• body temperature - higher body temperature be faster reaction time (lower reaction time) - warming up improves reaction time

• personality - intrinsic and extrinsic

• limb used - more dominant hand will be more likely to be faster reaction time

• likelihood of stimulus occurring - signal/ trigger - signal more likely to be faster

• arousal/ alertness - not at optimum arousal level, reaction time would be higher so would be slower

• warning signal - reaction time is quicker

• stimulus intensity - reaction time quicker - sight screen in cricket with red ball increasing intensity of stimulus - Wimbledon ball against green wall

• age

• hydration

Hicks law

proposes if tennis serve only in one place there is only a number of one possible alternatives

as present more possibilities - their reposes time increases which is good for you as a player but bad for the opposition.

simple reaction time example

is relevant to a single stimulus and a single possible response - goal keeper saving a penalty

choice reaction time example

• defending a 2 on 1

psychological refractory period (PRP)

• presentation of second stimulus

• will slow down the processing of information

• causing a time lag (this is PRP) between the relevant stimulus and an appropriate response

• example: selling a dummy in Rugby

• tennis ball clips the net and changes direction (stimulus 2) response to second stimulus

• if its big not respond very quickly and potentially miss the ball

• if its short (the line) respond more quicker

• stimulus 1 and response 1 - stimulus 2 and response 2

RPR sporting example 1 and 2

double dodge in netball

dummy pass

the role of anticipation - spatial

predicting what skill will happen e.g fielder anticipates what should the batter will play in rounders/cricket

role of anticipation - temporal

predicting when and where skill will be performed

GK anticipates where will the attacker shoot and when in hockey

how to improve reaction time

• train fast twitch muscle fibres

• increase intensity of the stimulus

• train non dominant limb

• ….