Relationship between auditory-visual reaction time and anthropometric measurements among physically active and nonactive undergraduate medical students

Background: Less reaction time decreases mortality and enhances better recovery in medical settings, especially in trauma, emergency, intensive care units, and operation theaters. Regular physical activity decreases reaction time, which is useful in demanding professions like soldiers, pilots, and doctors. Physical activity is said to influence anthropometric measurements and body mass index (BMI). Aims: This study aims at how the auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT) vary among physically active and nonactive groups and with various anthropometric measurements and BMI among undergraduate medical students. Methods: 80 males and 80 females selected through stratified random sampling were divided into physically active and inactive groups through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form. Then anthropometric measurements and the auditory and visual reaction times were noted for each subject in their case report form. Results: The mean ± SD of ART among physically active and inactive students is 0.163 ± 0.04 and 0.188 ± 0.15, respectively. The mean ± SD of VRT among physically active and inactive students is 0.171 ± 0.04 and 0.186 ± 0.04, respectively. A significant correlation was observed among the physically nonactive group between ART and BSA (r-value 0.364, P value 0.001**) and ART and WHR (r-value 0.233, P value 0.037*). The mean ± SD of ART among underweight, normal weight, and overweight students is 0.186 ± 0.14, 0.144 ± 0.05, and 0.168 ± 0.05, respectively. Conclusion: VRT was significantly reduced in physically active participants. ART was less in physically active participants but not significant. No correlation was detected between reaction time and anthropometric measurements. No significant variation of reaction time was observed with three different categories of BMI.