Reaction Time Research Summary
Latest findings from cognitive science and performance labs
Translate academic research into practical insights for faster reflexes.
Plasticity retention
36%
Slower decline among weekly trainees (UK Biobank)
Overtraining signal
+18 ms
Latency increase prior to illness (AIS study)
Age Curves & Plasticity
Meta-analyses covering 600k participants show that simple reaction time peaks around age 24, plateaus through the mid-30s, and gradually declines by ~1–2 ms per year afterward. However, variability is wide—habits and training explain more variance than age alone.
Longitudinal research from the UK Biobank demonstrated that adults who engaged in weekly cognitive training slowed age-related decline by 36%. Plasticity never disappears; it just requires more intelligent recovery.
Training Load & Overreaching
Australian Institute of Sport data found that reaction time spikes (i.e., gets slower) 48–72 hours before an athlete reports illness or overtraining. Monitoring latency therefore acts as an early warning system.
The sweet spot appears to be 18–24 high-quality reaction exposures per week. Above that, hormonal stress markers climb and latency worsens despite higher effort.
Technology & Measurement Accuracy
Hardware latency matters. LED monitors running at 60 Hz can add 8–12 ms of display lag versus 240 Hz esports monitors. Gaming mice with high polling rates reduce click latency by another 5–7 ms. When benchmarking against published studies, always normalize for hardware.
BrainGames automatically records device type and adjusts percentile comparisons so you know whether a performance bump came from training or from a faster setup.
Action Steps
Monitor lagging indicators
Track reaction time alongside HRV or sleep so you can spot early fatigue.
Normalize hardware
Test on the same device each week or note changes before comparing trends.
Recommended Games
Reaction Time
Captures the latency metrics used in most published studies.
Sequence Memory
Adds cognitive load, mirroring dual-task research protocols.
Related Resources
Practical habits that map to the data.
Broader look at cognitive science literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some studies report faster averages?
Methodology differs. Some use auditory cues (naturally faster) or high-end lab gear. Always check the stimulus type and hardware before comparing.
Can I publish my BrainGames data?
Yes. Export raw reaction logs from your profile and cite BrainGames as the measurement platform.