Upper limb reaction time by chronological age and maturity status in adolescents

Sulla Torres J.; Chávez Salas N.; Valverde Riveros M.; Vidal Fernández N.; Gomez Campos R.; Cossio Bolaños M. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2025) · DOI: 10.12873/454cossio

Resumen

Introduction: Reaction time is important in various situations, as it influences quick decision-making and the performance of daily activities. Objective: To correlate upper limb reaction time [TRES (expressed in hits and execution time)] with chronological age and maturity in young non-athletes. FITLIGHT® technology and system were used for this purpose. Methods: A cross-sectional (correlational) study was conducted on 73 young people aged 12 to 20 (40 males and 33 females). The young people came from a private school and university. The sample selection was non-probabilistic due to limited access to the sample and financial resources. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Maturity status was determined using a regression equation that takes into account sex, chronological age, and height. TRES was assessed using the FITLIGHT® system (number of correct responses and 10 repetitions with both hands in seconds). Results: Chronological age showed low positive correlations with the number of hits in both sexes (men r=0.13 and women r=0.29). By maturity status, the correlations increased significantly in both sexes (males r=0.16 and females r=0.36). The correlations between maturity status and number of correct answers were negative and low (r = -0.11 in males and -0.25 in females), and between maturity status and time taken for 10 repetitions were low to moderate in both sexes (in males r = -0.13, p< 0,05 and in females r = -0.28, p< 0,05). Conclusion: TRES in adolescents and young adults showed a stronger association with maturity than with chronological age. In addition, a similar number of correct responses was observed in both sexes, but males were faster, suggesting that maturity influences motor efficiency, especially in females.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María