Abstract
Reaction time is a critical component of athletic performance and preparatory movements are believed to enhance response speed by priming the neuromuscular and cognitive systems. At elite levels, even fractions of a second can distinguish between success and failure. PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the effect of preparatory motion on reaction time. Specifically, the study compares the reaction times performing a standardized preparatory motion to those remaining static prior to stimulus onset. We hypothesize that participants using preparatory motion will react significantly faster than those in the static condition. METHODS: Sixteen participants (7 males, 9 females; mean age = 23.1 ± 10.9 years) completed two reaction time conditions: a preparatory movement condition and a non-preparatory control condition. Reaction times were measured in response to visual stimuli, with 10 trials per condition. RESULTS: Preparatory movement significantly reduced reaction time compared to the non-preparatory condition by 7.6% (0.342 ± 0.043 s vs. 0.368 ± 0.042 s; t(15) = 3.020, p = 0.009, Cohen’s d = 0.755). CONCLUSION: These findings support the notion that anticipatory motor actions enhance reaction efficiency and have practical implications for athletic training and performance optimization.
Recommended Citation
Braun, Sydney A. and Merritt, Edward
(2026)
"The Effect of Preparatory Movement on Reaction Time,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 250.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/250