Reaction time stimuli were presented to subjects during epochs of ascending or descending heart rate and at different points in the cardiac cycle. Response latencies did not differ significantly as a function of phase in the cardiac cycle. Two experiments yielded conflicting results regarding the relationship between heart-rate change and reaction time. No relationships were found between reaction time and the heart beat immediately preceding the stimulus or with the beat during which the stimulus was presented. It is likely that these relationships suggested by Lacey's hypothesis are weak or inconsistent.
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