Upper limb reaction time by chronological age and maturity status in adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12873/454cossioKeywords:
reaction time, age, maturationAbstract
Introduction:
Reaction time is important in various situations, as it influences quick decision-making and the performance of daily activities.
Objective: To correlate upper limb reaction time [TRES (expressed in hits and execution time)] with chronological age and maturity in young non-athletes. FITLIGHT® technology and system were used for this purpose.
Methods: A correlational study was conducted on 73 young people aged 12 to 20 (40 males and 33 females). The sample selection was non-probabilistic. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Maturity status was determined using a regression equation that takes into account sex, chronological age, and height. The FITLIGHT® system was used for assessment (number of hits and 10 repetitions with both hands in seconds).
Results: Chronological age showed low positive correlations with the number of hits in both sexes (men r=0.13 and women r=0.29). By maturity status, the correlations increased significantly in both sexes (males r=0.16 and females r=0.36). The correlations between maturity status and number of correct answers were negative and low (r = -0.11 in males and -0.25 in females), and between maturity status and time taken for 10 repetitions were low to moderate in both sexes (in males r = -0.13 and in females r = -0.28).
Conclusion: TRES in adolescents and young adults showed a stronger association with maturity than with chronological age. In addition, a similar number of correct responses was observed in both sexes, but males were faster, suggesting that maturity influences motor efficiency, especially in females.
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