Can Probe Reaction Time of the Lower Extremity be Predicted from that of the Upper Extremity?

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to predict the Probe Reaction Time (P-RT) of the lower extremity from the upper extremity. [Subjects] Ten healthy young people (7 males, 3 females) with a mean age of 27.0 ± 7.5 years participated in this study. [Methods] Walking and tapping with the non-dominant hand in synchrony with beats of a metronome at 1 Hz and 4 Hz were tested for the subjects. P-RT of movements were measured continuously 10 times. The speed of walking was self-determined by the subjects. [Results] The results showed significant correlations between walking and tapping with the non-dominant hand at 1 Hz (r=0.87, p<0.05) and 4 Hz (r=0.95, p<0.05). [Conclusion] Regression analysis showed a high correlation so P-RT of the upper extremity predicts P-RT of the lower extremity. Therefore P-RT of the upper extremity can be considered as a substitute for the lower extremity. This will be useful in the clinical field, especially for patients who are not able to walk or stand, and weak people.