Components of HR response in anticipation of reaction time and exercise tasks.

Abstract

2 experiments examined cardiac-rate changes during the 4-sec. foreperiod of a reaction-time task involving either exercise or the traditional button-push response. 3 components of the heart-rate (HR) response were identified: (a) an initial deceleration to the READY signal, (b) an intermediate component which stabilized below prestimulus level in anticipation of a button-push but accelerated in anticipation of exercise, and (c) a deceleration immediately preceding the GO signal. The initial deceleration appeared to be an unconditioned orienting reflex to the READY signal and the deceleration preceding the GO signal, a conditional "attention" response. It was suggested that 2 factors determined cardiac response: energy requirements and stimulus reception requirements. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)