Preferred Hand and Steadiness of Reaction Time

Abstract

RT and its left/right difference of both biceps muscles were measured by electromyogram (EMG) in the bilateral simultaneous flexion of elbows using 11 left- and 13 right-handed subjects under four conditions which were combinations of two factors; warning signal; presence or absence of a fore-period, and position of limbs; elbow 90 degrees or 135 degrees. EMG-RT and its left/right difference were influenced by these factors. The effects of warning and position of limbs were not the same on the preferred and non-preferred hands. It was assumed that EMG-RTs of biceps in the preferred hand were less influenced by these experimental conditions.

Effects of Postural Change of the Shoulder on EMG Reaction Time of Triceps Brachii

“…The facilitating positions which are utilized in the procedures of 'pro prioceptive facilitation' [2] or 'proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation' [3] for muscle reeducation induce faster electromyographic reaction time (EMG-RT) in the intended muscle and its antagonists than the anatomi cal or kinesiological reference position [7], The RTs following stretch of the prime movers are also significantly faster than normal RTs [6,10]. Thus, the postural modifications of a responding limb can influence the initiation of movements.…”

EEG activation induced by facilitating position.

“…Simple reaction time (RT) experiments have demonstrated that passive changes of the posture influence behavioral alertness (Maria 1970 ;Nakamura et al 1976). For instance, RTs of the upper or lower extremity were shorter at facilitating positions, utilized in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique, than at neutral position (Nakamura and Viel 1974).…”

“…These results provide further evidence of arousal shift induced by facilitating position, and suggest that EEG topography is a suitable indicator of monitoring the effect of facilitating position. facilitating position ; EEG topography ; alpha rhythm ; arousal Simple reaction time (RT) experiments have demonstrated that passive changes of the posture influence behavioral alertness (Maria 1970 ;Nakamura et al 1976). For instance, RTs of the upper or lower extremity were shorter at facilitating positions, utilized in proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique, than at neutral position (Nakamura and Viel 1974).…”

Postural Dependence of Reaction Time after a VL Thalamotomy

“…Postural changes influence the EMG-RT of a limb muscle [9,10], which phenomenon disappears in patients with ventrolateral (VL) thala motomy, cerebellar or frontal premotor lesions [8].…”