Evaluation of Reaction Time and Hand–Eye Coordination in Schoolchildren Using Wearable Sensor-Based Systems: A Study with Neural Trainer Devices

Abstract

Reaction time and hand–eye coordination are critical neuromotor skills in school-aged children, influencing academic, cognitive, and motor development. The objective of this study was to evaluate schoolchildren’s performance on reaction time tests using Neural Trainer device sensors and wearable technology, establishing baseline metrics and identifying lateral performance asymmetries. Fifty-nine schoolchildren performed six sensor-based motor tests involving bimanual and unimanual interaction: P1 (10 timed repetitions, bimanual), P2 (10 timed repetitions, left hand), P3 (10 timed repetitions, right hand), P4 (hits, bimanual), P5 (hits, left hand), and P6 (hits, right hand). Neural Trainer devices with four light nodes were used for activity monitoring. Data was analyzed using statistical methods to assess time, accuracy, and variability. The results showed that the average times were P1 = 8.69 ± 1.44 s, P2 = 8.90 ± 1.30 s, and P3 = 8.83 ± 1.29 s. The average successes were P4 = 22.90 ± 3.10, P5 = 22.00 ± 3.40, and P6 = 24.42 ± 2.72 hits. Significant differences were found between hands in successes (p < 0.001) but not in times (p = 0.716). The ANOVA for the hit trials revealed significant differences between conditions, F(2, 174) = 9.30, p < 0.001. The conclusions indicate that sensor-based systems such as the Neural Trainer device demonstrated the potential to provide objective and consistent measurements of reaction time in schoolchildren; however, further studies comparing its performance with established clinical assessment tools are necessary to confirm its validity and diagnostic accuracy.