Preferred Hand and Steadiness of Reaction Time

Abstract

RT and its left/right difference of both biceps muscles were measured by electromyogram (EMG) in the bilateral simultaneous flexion of elbows using 11 left- and 13 right-handed subjects under four conditions which were combinations of two factors; warning signal; presence or absence of a fore-period, and position of limbs; elbow 90 degrees or 135 degrees. EMG-RT and its left/right difference were influenced by these factors. The effects of warning and position of limbs were not the same on the preferred and non-preferred hands. It was assumed that EMG-RTs of biceps in the preferred hand were less influenced by these experimental conditions.