Abstract
A laboratory investigation was conducted to determine if synchronization between the work rhythm and the respiratory biorhythm benefits perceptual-motor performance. The effect of work-respiratory (W–R) synchronization on reaction time, error rate, and perceived difficulty was evaluated for a visual choice reaction time task. Interstimulus intervals were chosen to induce a work rhythm. Prior to the experiment, the task was performed in a self-paced mode so that a baseline work rate could be identified for each subject. Each subject (N=22) then performed the task at 3 machine-paced work rhythms; 1) equal to the work rhythm of the baseline work rate, 2) 33% faster than the work rhythm of the baseline work rate, and 3) 33% slower than the work rhythm of the baseline work rate. Each condition consisted of two, 4 min trials separated by a brief rest break. Work rate (in responses per minute) was held constant across conditions through adjustments in task structure. Regression analysis revealed that W–R synchronization was associated with a 1% reduction in error rate and a 15 msec reduction in reaction time. These results suggest that W–R synchronization benefits perceptual–motor performance of repetitive tasks.
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