Effect of Dual-tasking on Visual and Auditory Simple Reaction Times

Abstract

Visual and auditory simple reaction times were measured in Sri Lankan young adults to see the effect of dual-tasking on reaction time. Reaction times were measured using a reaction time program in a computer. Subjects responded to stimuli by pressing the spacebar with their dominant index finger. Visual and auditory simple reaction times (ms) in males (mean ± SD) were 293.5 ± 42.4, 302.2 ± 41.9 respectively. In females respective values were 315.1 ± 55.5, 313.1 ± 45. Males had statistically significant faster reaction times (p < 0.05) than females. The type of stimuli had no statistically significant effect (p > 0.05) within the same sex. Dual-tasking significantly increases (p < 0.05) both reaction times in both sexes. In females, dual-tasking affects simple auditory reaction time significantly more than simple visual reaction time (p < 0.05).