Variation of Reaction Time in Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the influence of menstrual cycle on auditory and visual reaction times. Method: This study was conducted on thirty, healthy, regularly menstruating female subjects who were in the age group of 18- 25 years. Influence of different phases of menstrual cycle on Auditory Reaction Time (ART) and Visual Reaction Time (VRT) was evaluated by using a portable audiovisual reaction time apparatus. Result: The statistical tests which were used were ANOVA and Students ‘t’ test, which showed that there were significant increases in ART and VRT during luteal phase, as compared to those in follicular phase. Conclusion: Changes in ART and VRT during different phases of menstrual cycle could be due to changes in the levels of female sex hormones, which in turn may lead to salt and water retention.

Keywords

• auditory reaction time
• visual reaction time
• menstrual cycle