Effect of Puberty on Reaction and Movement Times

Abstract

Reaction times, movement times, and static strengths of the four limbs were measured and pubertal status was assessed in males and females at ages 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 yr primarily to separate the effects of sexual maturation from the associated sex and age trends. Mean reaction times decreased markedly with age and females tended to be consistently faster than males although females tended to level off from 15 to 17 yr while males continued to improve. Movement times also decreased markedly with age and males were consistently faster. Limb abduction strengths increased with age and males tended to be consistently stronger. Strength gains accelerated during pubescence in both sexes so sexual maturation apparently increased strength. Strength gains continued at a rapid rate during postpubescence in males but females leveled off at age 15 yr. The age and sexual maturation trends in movement time closely paralleled those in strength. Holding strength constant over ages made the previously significant age differences for movement time nonsignificant, so strength seemed a major factor in movement time. Age differences in reaction time, however, remained significant with strength differences covaried out, so reaction time seemed essentially independent of strength.