Influences of Respiratory Cycle on Simple Reaction Time

Abstract

The effect of respiration on simple auditory reaction time was studied. In the first study, reaction times and respiratory phase data were collected during spontaneous breathing; in Study 2, a warning light signaled S to hold his breath in either inspiration or expiration. Both experiments showed faster reaction times with expiration. This is contradictory to reaction time findings reported by other investigators who have studied effects of respiration.