Reaction time in gait initiation depends on the time available for affective processing

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Previous research indicates emotion influences gait initiation reaction time.
• The impact of varying delays between emotional stimuli and motor response cues requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how different delays (short vs. long) between emotional image presentation and a 'go' signal affect gait initiation reaction time.
• To investigate the role of emotional regulation in modulating the response to unpleasant stimuli during gait initiation.

Main Methods:

• 19 young adults initiated gait towards pleasant or unpleasant images under two delay conditions: 500ms (short) and 3000ms (long) between image onset and 'go' signal.
• Participants' reaction times and self-reported valence ratings were recorded.
• Postural adjustments during the standing phase were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Motor responses were faster for pleasant compared to unpleasant images in the short delay condition.
• No significant difference in reaction time was observed between pleasant and unpleasant images in the long delay condition.
• Unpleasant images were rated as less negative in the long delay condition, suggesting a change in affective significance and emotional regulation.

Conclusions:

• Emotional regulation processes, particularly reappraisal, can override initial avoidance tendencies triggered by unpleasant images.
• A longer delay facilitates gait initiation for both pleasant and unpleasant stimuli, likely due to emotional regulation and reduced affective impact.
• These findings highlight the interplay between emotion, cognitive control, and motor preparation in gait initiation.