The Philosophical Review/Volume 1/Summary: Dresslar - Some Influences which Affect the Rapidity of Voluntary Movements

The Philosophical Review Volume 1 (1892)
edited by Jacob Gould Schurman
Summary: Dresslar - Some Influences which Affect the Rapidity of Voluntary Movements by Anonymous
2657476The Philosophical Review Volume 1 — Summary: Dresslar - Some Influences which Affect the Rapidity of Voluntary Movements1892Anonymous
Some Influences which Affect the Rapidity of Voluntary Movements. F. B. Dresslar. Am. J. Ps., IV, 4, pp. 514-527.

The research aimed to determine the time of making three hundred taps from the wrist on a Morse key, together with some conditions influencing the rate. A kymograph was used with a revolving drum on which the seconds were registered by means of the armature of an electro-magnet. On the same standard with the magnet was fastened a clock movement whose escapement wheel turned one notch with each tap of the key. Six tests of three hundred taps each were made at intervals of two hours from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. After six weeks of work a daily rhythm was developed with the slowest rate at 8 A.M., the most rapid rate at 4 P.M., and a falling off at 2 P.M. and at 6 P.M. The curve representing a daily record corresponded to the programme of public school work in which the subject had for two years been engaged, beginning at 8 A.M. and closing at 4 P.M. with an hour and a half intermission. The activity of the central nervous system probably increased during the hours of work, lessened during the noon hour of relaxation, and again decreased after four o'clock, when the chief work of the day was over. The short walk to dinner had no effect, but a vigorous walk caused falling off in the rate, due probably to general fatigue and mental relaxation. Strong mental concentration and interest favored rapidity of movement. The effect of a day of rest was very slightly unfavorable. No effect of atmospheric pressure could be detected. The normal rate for the right wrist averaged 8.5 taps per second.