Heart rate variability: An autonomic correlate of reaction time performance

Abstract

Resting level heart rate variablity was measured and correlated with subsequent reaction time performance in male college students. The Ss were required to respond as rapidly as possible following an extended visual warning signal of either fixed or variable duration. Resting level heart rate variability was related to reaction time only in the variable-foreperiod condition. The data are interpreted as illustrating the sensitivity of the relationship between heart rate variability and reaction time to slight changes in task demands. © 1973, The Psychonomic Soceity, Inc.. All rights reserved.