Effect of multi-digit tactile imagery training on reaction time

Study aim: Reaction time (RT) is the time taken to make a decisive voluntary response to a stimulus. It is an indirect index of the central nervous system’s ability to process information and a simple method to evaluate sensorimotor performance and coordination. The current study explored the potential of tactile imagery (TI) training to enhance RT in distinct digits within the same hand, namely the index and middle fingers and the thumb.

Materials and methods: Forty right-handed healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (undergoing TI training) or the control group. RT to press a button following a vibrotactile stimulus to the index finger, middle finger, or thumb in the left hand was recorded before and after TI training in the experimental group, with the control group undergoing similar RT assessments. A sensory-motor apparatus facilitated precise data collection.

Results: The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in RT after TI training compared to their baseline and the control group’s RT.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the effectiveness of TI training in enhancing finger dexterity and RT within the same hand. These findings have implications for motor control research and support the incorporation of TI training in interventions aimed at improving sports performance and rehabilitation outcomes.