Effect of aerobic exercise on auditory and visual reaction times: a prospective study

Physical exercise provides multiple benefits to an individual. However, the beneficial effect of exercise on psychomotor performance remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on auditory reaction time (ART) and visual reaction time (VRT). Fifty subjects were enrolled consisting of healthy subjects who were not exercising (n = 25; group I) and subjects doing regular aerobic exercisers (n = 25; group II). ART and VRT were recorded using digital display response time apparatus equipped with three lights (red, green and yellow) and three auditory stimuli (low, medium and high pitched sounds). The mean VRT of group II subjects (318.24 +/- 6.709) was significantly lower than that of group I (505.73 +/- 16.961) (P < 0.001). The mean ART of group II subjects (313.33 +/- 8.160) was significantly lower than that of group I (573.09 +/- 17.950) (P < 0.001). Auditory and visual reaction times are better in aerobic exercisers as compared to non-exercisers irrespective of age and gender.