Effect of Muscular Stretch, Tension, and Relaxation upon the Reaction Time and Speed of Movement of a Supported Limb

Abstract

Abstract It was hypothesized that the reaction time and maximal velocity of a supported arm which was exposed to muscular stretch would be significantly faster than when the limb was either tensed or relaxed. It was also predicted that the tensed arm condition would produce speedier reaction and movement times than when the subject's limb was more relaxed. Forty college men were tested under each of the three experimental conditions. A variance analysis revealed that reaction time and velocity of the arm during the state of stretch was not significantly faster than either condition when the arm was relaxed or tensed. An analysis of the final third of the arm movement revealed a significantly faster movement time when the prime movers of the limb were stretched. During the condition of tension, reaction and movement times were faster than when the arm was relaxed. A high degree of specificity of relationship was found between reaction time and movement time.