Effect of posture on reaction time: Impact of gender

Abstract

Background: Reaction time (RT) is a reliable parameter of functional capacity of the central nervous system and a non-invasive method of determining coordination between sensory and motor systems and reflex activity of a person. Some studies show that males have a quick motor activity than females and therefore have a faster RT, while few other studies show variable results. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the influence of gender on RT in supine, sitting, and standing postures. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of 2 months (August-September 2018) in Medical College, Mumbai, on 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females). Visual choice RTs and auditory choice RTs of participants were measured in supine, sitting, and standing postures. Results: Visual RT (VRT) and auditory RT (ART) were significantly low in supine position as compared to sitting and standing position. Mean VRT and ART were fastest in standing and slowest in supine though without significance. Gender had no effect on postural effects on VRT and ART. Females had significantly higher VRT and ART in all postures as compared with that of males. Conclusion: No statistically significant effect of gender was found on both VRT and ART in different postures, though males had faster VRT and ART than females in all postures for all colors and frequencies with few exceptions, where difference was not significant, though mean values for males were always lower than that for females.