Characteristics of a neural clock regulating perception and psychomotor performance in man

A biological clock regulating some psychomotor aspects of perception has been adduced from the results of the repetitive administration of a maximal speed tapping test of 15 sec per hand per min for a total of 20 min. 412 longitudinal timed tests from 8 healthy control subjects, 4 physically healthy and 6 brain damaged psychiatric patients formed the basis for the investigation of the properties of this clock. It was found that this perceptual clock is endogenous, self-sustaining and innate. Its free-running oscillations are independent of psychic state, emotions and affect. They are, however, dependent upon the subject's neural integrity and their phase may be influenced by an orientating reflex. Timing is precise but the preceding phase may influence a succeeding one. Despite the muscular activity of the task the clock is relatively independent of body temperature. It is also immune to most psychoactive drugs.