Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Is it possible to train oneself to have faster reaction times? And if so, what becomes faster? Is it the sensory nerves that observe things quicker, or is it the electrical impulses that travel faster? Or is it possibly the brain that processes the information faster? Thank you very much and please get back soon.

Hello,
That is a very interesting question. I would start by trying to understand what happens between the brain and muscles to make you move and react? What is actually happening in the body? Is it a single channel of communication between just 1 nerve impulse from the brain to the muscle or is there an opportunity for many connections to be made. My guess is, that just like a muscle can be trained and grow over time and frequent use, the same may be true for brain to muscle communication. It may be that additional channels for communicating the message to the muscle may be formed with repetitive use.

Start by searching on google for neuro muscular junction and see what comes up.

Hope this helps!
Katie

Hi Aaron42,

One area of research that may help you in answering these questions or coming up with a project is to research patients who have had Strokes. A stroke occurs when there is a blockage of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke), or when there is an injury to the brain and blood vessels break (hemorrhagic stroke). I know about this stuff because I had a stroke when I was 28! Something I know for certain, based on experience, is that my nervous system, and thus, my muscle reaction time improved over time. When I first had the stroke, I couldn't use the right part of my body at all. But because I went through physical therapy, I 'retrained' my muscles and 2 years later I had a full functioning body. I still have some numbness in my hands and feet, that I will probably never get back. But my gross motor movement is excellent. So, yes, it is possible to retrain your body, muscles, and brain to increase reaction time. The brain tells your muscles and nerves what to do. What is the relationship? That could be a good question to explore.
http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/exercise.html

There are diseases that affect the nerves themselves (not the brain), that can decrease a person's reaction time, or eliminate it all together. One way that scientists find out how the body works, how the brain works, is by looking at patients who have an abnormality, such as a brain tumor, a musculoskeletal disease, a stroke, diabetes, etc. Maybe exploring a pathology/ disease would be a good place to start.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/brai ... _brain.htm

Did you know that the younger you are the better chance you have at stroke recovery? Also, the idea of "use it or lose it" holds some truth, why would that be? There is new research that demonstrates that nerves can adapt and form new pathways (not healing the broken ones), which may restore or help in nerve function. Try looking up information on Neuroplasticity. Here is a website to get you started:
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/plast.html

Hope that helps. Please post here again if you have further questions.

Hi Aaron42,

You have already gotten some excellent advice from Katie and Sarah. I just wanted to let you know that there are several Science Buddies projects dealing with reaction time. You can take a look at the background information and links in these projects to help you develop yours.
Think Fast! https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p009.shtml
How Fast is Your Reaction Time? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p005.shtml
Does a Cell-Phone Conversation Affect Reaction Time? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p009.shtml
Fast Food: Can Peppermint Improve Reaction Times? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p027.shtml
Do Video Game Players Have Faster Reaction Times Than Non-Players? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p027.shtml

I hope this helps! Please post again (in this same thread) if you have more questions.

Heather