THE EFFECT OF VARIED EXERCISE INTENSITIES ON REACTION TIME AND COORDINATION IN OLDER ADULTS INVOLVED IN A 10 WEEK EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

The loss of reaction time and hand-eye coordination with aging has been well documented in the literature. However, its responsiveness to an exercise training program is the subject of much debate. Several studies have shown a favorable response, while others have shown no effect. These studies differed in many programming parameters. It was the purpose of this study to assess the change in reaction time, hand-eye coordination and hand steadiness in response to three exercise programs of differing intensities. Program 1 Light Exercise, n = 12, mean age-83 years. Exercise intensity: heart rate near resting levels (stretching program). Program 2 Moderate Exercise, n = 18, mean age-87 years. Exercise intensity: heart rate between 85–100 bpm (low intensity aerobic program). Program 3 Heavy Exercise, n = 12, mean age-85 years. Exercise intensity: heart rate between 110–120 bpm (moderate intensity aerobic program). The total duration of all programs was 10 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance techniques. Results indicated a small but nonsignificant improvement in reaction time in the light and heavy exercise groups, while the moderate exercise group remained the same. Hand steadiness improved significantly in the light and heavy exercise group (p < .05), while the moderate exercise group remained the same. Hand-eye coordination improved significantly in all three groups. These results suggest that a 10 week exercise program can elicit improvements in hand-eye coordination and hand steadiness. However, this study did not support the improvement of reaction time through exercise of any intensity.