Multiple Choice Reaction Time and Movement Time during Physical Exertion

Abstract Subject performed a five-choice reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) task while walking on a treadmill at heart rates (HR) of approximately 80 (standing still), 115, 145 and 175 beats per minute (bpm). Five-choice RT was optimal at a HR of 115 bpm and worst at 175 bpm, thereby supporting the hypothesis of an inverted U relationship between activation and choice RT. On the other hand, MT improved linearly with increased levels of HR, showing that these two parameters are affected quite differently by concomitant physical exertion.