Effects of Physical or Perceptual Work Loads on a Coincidence/Anticipation Task

Abstract

This study was designed to analyze the effects of physical or perceptual work loads on a coincidence/anticipation task. Three experimental treatments were applied: (1) a physical work load, (2) a perceptual work load, and (3) a combination of the physical and the perceptual work loads. The dependent variable was performance on a coincidence/anticipation task, a throw at a moving target. Time errors and accuracy scores were recorded. The type of work load does not affect any of the dependent variables. However, all types of work load generated definite improvement pre- and posttest for the temporal constant error; better performance, as measured by constant error, was recorded for all subjects when the speed of the apparent movement being intercepted was 4.7 km/hr. Temporal variability was reduced in the subject performance at 8.1 km/hr.