Time perception in relation to pulse rate in healthy males

Time estimation by the production method and pulse rate under resting but attentive conditions were investigated in 92 healthy males. Subjects estimated intervals of 30, 60, and 180 sec following which they participated in an hour-long watchkeeping task during which pulse rate was recorded. Both the time estimates and pulse rate in the group covered a wide range of values. Correlations between pulse rate and time estimates in the group were all negative; the largest and only statistically significant correlation was equal to -.205. It was concluded that pulse rate plays only a minor if not insignificant role in the perception of time.