Effects of various distractions on audio and visual reaction time in 1st year MBBS students

Abstract

Background: Reaction time (RT) defines as it is time between the presentation of a sensory stimulus and the subsequent response. Simple RT is defined as the time required for an observer to find out the presence of a stimulus. It is used as a physical skill that correlates to human performance. RT valid and reliable tools for assess cognitive functions and measurement of sensorimotor coordination. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of various distractions on auditory RT (ART) and visual RT (VRT). Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Rajasthan University of Health of Sciences College of Medical Sciences. The participants were 100 1st year medical students 36 girls and 64 boys, 19–23 years age group were exposed to different distractions, that is, conversing, music, calculations, and texting in both ART and VRT tests. The study was conducted over a period of January 2018-March 2018. In this study, we have found that VRT and ART were significantly different in males and females, that is, 290.61 ± 96.25 and 300.32 ± 85.32 (P < 0.0001; t = 7.9731), and 243.61 ± 69.25 and 267.42 ± 87.23 (P < 0.0001; t = 6.0500), respectively. It is also clear that overall the VRT was more than ART. Testing was performed using audio VRT by Medisystems. Results: In this study, we have found that VRT and ART were significantly different in males and females, that is, 290.61 ± 96.25 and 300.32 ± 85.32 (P < 0.0001; t = 7.9731) and 243.61 ± 69.25 and 267.42 ± 87.23 (P < 0.0001; t = 6.0500), respectively. Both ART and VRT with each distraction were found longer than normal ART. Sequence of ART in various distraction following in ascending order Normal ART < relaxing music < texting < calculation < conversing, while VRT in various distraction following in ascending order normal VRT < relaxing music < conversing < texting < calculation. Conclusion: As compare to ART and VRT, ART is faster than the VRT in medical students. Furthermore, for both auditory and visual stimuli male students have faster RTs as compared to female students. RT in response to a situation can significantly influence the performance of subjects due to its practical implications. By understanding the influence of distractions on RT the present study concludes that these distractions can be used as a progression in RT training thus improving the sensormotor coordination.