The Effect of Modification of Baroreceptor Activity on Reaction Time

ABSTRACT The Laceys' hypothesis that baroreceptor stimulation has a direct effect on performance was tested by experimental manipulation of baroreceptor activity while subjects performed reaction time tests. Baroreceptor activity was altered by varying external cervical pressure and hence carot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Psychophysiology 1984-09, Vol.21 (5), p.487-493
Main Authors: Toon, Peter D., Bergel, Derek H., Johnston, Derek W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activity levels. Psychomotricity
Adult
Baroreceptors
Biological and medical sciences
Carotid Sinus - physiology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Heart Rate
Humans
Male
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Pulse
Pulse transit time
Reaction time
Reaction Time - physiology
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Summary:ABSTRACT The Laceys' hypothesis that baroreceptor stimulation has a direct effect on performance was tested by experimental manipulation of baroreceptor activity while subjects performed reaction time tests. Baroreceptor activity was altered by varying external cervical pressure and hence carotid sinus transmural pressure. The physiological effects of the baroreflex on heart rate and pulse transit time (a measure which generally correlates well with blood pressure) were seen both when baroreceptor stimulation was increased and when it was decreased. However, no difference in reaction time was found between the two conditions, therefore failing to support the Laceys' hypothesis.
ISSN:0048-5772
1469-8986
1540-5958
DOI:10.1111/j.1469-8986.1984.tb00230.x