Changes in the dynamics of latent periods of simple sensorimotor responses throughout the academic year in Moscow schoolchildren over 10 years

Abstract

The purpose of our investigation was an assessment of changes in the dynamics of the proportions of latent periods of simple sensorimotor responses to stimuli of different modalities throughout the academic year in Moscow schoolchildren over 10 years. We analyzed latent periods of simple sensorimotor reaction to light and acoustic stimuli in first-and fifth-grade schoolchildren using equipment “computer movements meter “. The proportion of the latent periods of the sensorimotor reaction to stimuli of different modalities was studied in dynamics from the beginning to the end of the school year and in comparison with similar results obtained 10 years ago. Evaluation of statistical significance performed in both time periods using algorithms for the dependent variables (nonparametric Wilcoxon paired test). The frequency of occurrence of different variants was assessed using Fisher exact test. It was found that in first grade children, the latent periods of the reaction to stimuli of different modalities were equal in approximately 50% cases. In one-third cases, the latent periods of the response to acoustic stimulus were longer than to visual stimulus; in modern first graders, unlike their peers 10 years ago, this parameter decreases over the academic year. Similar annual dynamics, even more pronounced, was observed in fifth graders in observations performed 10 years ago. It is concluded that the observed changes reflect shifts in the functional state of child organism (and probably, cognitive capacities) under the effect of new environmental factors, including educational factors. The findings are important in the management of the education system and in the planning of innovations in educational technologies.

Keywords: psychomotor integration, sensorimotor reactivity, acoustic stimuli, visual stimuli