Training reaction and movement times of moderately and severely mentally retarded persons in aiming movements

Abstract

The effect of information feedback of movement components on the reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT) of mentally retarded adults performing a discrete movement aiming task was investigated. We anticipated that specific training and informational feedback on the RT portion of the RT-MT task would more effectively reduce RT, despite aiming requirements of the movement. Results suggested that specific training and feedback on RT decreased both RT and MT components of the task, whereas specific training on MT reduced only MT. The data were discussed with respect to the differential effects of training on subject populations at varying levels of intellectual capacity.