Publish: 12:55, 16 Apr, 2025

Check your reaction times at home and improve score

Online Desk
Check your reaction times at home and improve score
Photo - Collected

Your reaction time can reveal key insights about your health—from brain function to heart health and even your risk of early death. While reaction speed naturally declines with age, especially after your 30s, maintaining an average pace may signal a well-functioning brain. Scientists say it's a powerful indicator of overall health and longevity.

"Some people just tend to be faster than others, even before ageing effects really kick in," says Simon Cox, professor of brain and cognitive ageing at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. "But a decline in reaction times probably indicates an accumulation of age-related degradation. It's a marker which tells us a lot about the combined functioning of quite a lot of biological systems."

So, how can you measure your reaction time at home?

One easy assessment is a well-known experiment known as the "ruler drop test". You'll need the assistance of a family member or friend for this one, as well as a ruler:

  • Sit in a chair, resting your arm on a table so that your wrist is hanging off the edge, with your thumb and forefingers facing up.
  • Ask your partner to hold a ruler vertically, over your hand, with the "zero", where the numbers start, aligned with your thumb.
  • Without warning, your partner should drop the ruler, while you try to catch it as quickly as possible.
  • The distance the ruler falls before being caught is an assessment of your reaction time.

Broadly speaking, an excellent performance equates to catching the ruler at a distance less than 7.5cm, above average counts as 7.5-15.9cm, average is 15.9-20.4cm, while below average is anything over 20.4cm and poor is more than 28cm.

Population studies have noticed a correlation between the speed of decline in reaction times and risk of multiple age-related illnesses. In addition to a person's overall risk of death – one study found that there was a significant link between a person's reaction times and the likelihood of death from all major causes – there is also a strong relationship between this metric and the risk of death from specific conditions. This includes coronary heart disease, stroke and respiratory disease.

A person's reaction times are also associated with their susceptibility to falls, losing the ability to live independently and the onset of dementia.

However, according to Cox, a single reaction time measurement doesn't reveal all that much, as reaction speeds vary considerably from one person to another due to factors ranging from gender to genetics, physical fitness, lifestyle habits and even personality type. Cox notes that what is likely to be more important is how your reaction speed varies if you compare your performance on the same test over time – for example, at yearly intervals over the course of a decade - and whether it starts to noticeably decline.

As Cox points out, our ability to react relies on a network of interconnected sensory systems: how well we see, hear or even smell a given stimulus, how quickly our brain can process the information it's receiving from our eyes or ears and issue a signal in response, and finally how quickly our nerve fibres, muscles and tendons can enact what the brain is telling them to do. "All these pieces of the jigsaw can be affected by ageing, and not necessarily to the same extent in all people," says Cox.

There are two components to a reaction to the ruler drop test – the brain's ability to make a quick assessment that it has been dropped, and the speed with which the body can act on the brain's instructions to catch it.

Researchers have found that the first component of this network which tends to break down, beginning in midlife, is our physical ability to act on the brain's signals. So, our brains might notice that the ruler has been let go within milliseconds – but it still takes a while for the body to catch up.

Improving your score

But there are things that we can all do to either slow or prevent this decline from happening. Pain recommends so-called dual task training, which involves simultaneous movement and cognitive training activities to tune both the brain and body. Examples include walking while turning your head from side to side, balancing on one leg while reciting the alphabet, or tossing a ball while verbally associating words.

Even things like such as participating in fitness classes via a TV screen or tablet can help with your reaction times. "This improves the ability to perceive [a stimulus] and respond with meaningful coordinated motions," says Pain.

Cox says that many of the activities which are often linked with healthy ageing, such as continuing to play a sport into later life, learning a musical instrument in retirement or simply keeping engaged with intellectual pursuits such as board games can have knock-on benefits for our reaction times.

"Sports performance drills which require fast responses could boost reaction times by enhancing both brain and body," says Cox. "And there's some evidence that generally keeping more socio-intellectually engaged is related to slower cognitive ageing across aspects of complex thinking."

Source: BBC

Bd-pratidin English/ Afia

More News
Muri Shinai De: The art of living well without pushing too hard
Muri Shinai De: The art of living well without pushing too hard
Iraqi patient plays oud, sings during brain tumour operation
Iraqi patient plays oud, sings during brain tumour operation
What it’s really like to live in 2025’s world’s best cities
What it’s really like to live in 2025’s world’s best cities
5-minute healthy snack recipe to curb cravings
5-minute healthy snack recipe to curb cravings
Therapy chatbots stigmatise mental health patients, Stanford study reveals
Therapy chatbots stigmatise mental health patients, Stanford study reveals
A timeless climb: Riding the British Isles’ only electric mountain railway
A timeless climb: Riding the British Isles’ only electric mountain railway
Vitamin C plays key role in supporting immune system
Vitamin C plays key role in supporting immune system
Dietary okra found to reduce brain inflammation caused by obesity
Dietary okra found to reduce brain inflammation caused by obesity
UAE firm creates ready-to-eat meals edible for 25 years
UAE firm creates ready-to-eat meals edible for 25 years
Mango Biryani: Indian chef cooks up a unique fusion
Mango Biryani: Indian chef cooks up a unique fusion
Best sweet potato combos to manage diabetes
Best sweet potato combos to manage diabetes
3 hacks to control your food cravings
3 hacks to control your food cravings
Latest News
51 EC officials transferred at a time
51 EC officials transferred at a time
1 second ago | National
None of 144 parties 'passed', get another 15 days
None of 144 parties 'passed', get another 15 days
10 minutes ago | National
Dr Yunus doesn’t intend to be declared as "national reformer": Govt
Dr Yunus doesn’t intend to be declared as "national reformer": Govt
19 minutes ago | National
8 NBR officials suspended for tearing up transfer letters
8 NBR officials suspended for tearing up transfer letters
29 minutes ago | National
Palestinian MP killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza City
Palestinian MP killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza City
50 minutes ago | International
Over 120 countries condemned Israel, US attacks on Iran
Over 120 countries condemned Israel, US attacks on Iran
1 hour ago | International
If we fail, it will be a collective failure: Ali Riaz
If we fail, it will be a collective failure: Ali Riaz
1 hour ago | National
55 lac families to receive rice at Tk15 per kg: Food Adviser
55 lac families to receive rice at Tk15 per kg: Food Adviser
2 hours ago | National
Muri Shinai De: The art of living well without pushing too hard
Muri Shinai De: The art of living well without pushing too hard
2 hours ago | Lifestyle
Netanyahu’s coalition is rattled as ultra-Orthodox party announces exit
Netanyahu’s coalition is rattled as ultra-Orthodox party announces exit
2 hours ago | International
Govt to import 4 lakh tonnes of rice to avert food risk in flood season
Govt to import 4 lakh tonnes of rice to avert food risk in flood season
2 hours ago | National
Tesla launches in India with pricey $70,000 Model Y due to steep tariffs
Tesla launches in India with pricey $70,000 Model Y due to steep tariffs
2 hours ago | Tech
After YouTube, Meta also declares war on copy-paste Facebook creators
After YouTube, Meta also declares war on copy-paste Facebook creators
2 hours ago | Tech
First image of Harry Potter released
First image of Harry Potter released
2 hours ago | Showbiz
Power deals signed under ousted AL govt to be reviewed: Finance adviser
Power deals signed under ousted AL govt to be reviewed: Finance adviser
3 hours ago | National
World Youth Skills Day being celebrated
World Youth Skills Day being celebrated
3 hours ago | National
Govt starts collecting uprising memories through 'Notes on July'
Govt starts collecting uprising memories through 'Notes on July'
3 hours ago | National
Trump gives Russia 50 days to make Ukraine deal
Trump gives Russia 50 days to make Ukraine deal
3 hours ago | International
China’s economy grows at steady pace despite Trump’s trade war
China’s economy grows at steady pace despite Trump’s trade war
3 hours ago | Economy
Low-pressure over Bay of Bengal turns land depression
Low-pressure over Bay of Bengal turns land depression
3 hours ago | National
CA orders immediate appointment to vacant head teacher posts in pry school
CA orders immediate appointment to vacant head teacher posts in pry school
3 hours ago | National
Iraqi patient plays oud, sings during brain tumour operation
Iraqi patient plays oud, sings during brain tumour operation
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
Ministry seeks application from agencies to participate in 2026 Hajj
Ministry seeks application from agencies to participate in 2026 Hajj
3 hours ago | National
Bangladesh eying first T20 series victory against Sri Lanka
Bangladesh eying first T20 series victory against Sri Lanka
3 hours ago | Sports
India orders airlines to check fuel switches on Boeing jets
India orders airlines to check fuel switches on Boeing jets
3 hours ago | International
France's new star Lanier ready for home pressure at badminton worlds
France's new star Lanier ready for home pressure at badminton worlds
4 hours ago | Sports
Bangladesh invites Egyptian investors to tap into key growth sectors
Bangladesh invites Egyptian investors to tap into key growth sectors
4 hours ago | National
"Bangladesh must not be treated as a younger brother but as an equal"
"Bangladesh must not be treated as a younger brother but as an equal"
4 hours ago | National
Army Chief’s earlier warning gains traction amid escalating political mud-slinging
Army Chief’s earlier warning gains traction amid escalating political mud-slinging
4 hours ago | National
Consensus commission resumes talks with key issues topping agenda
Consensus commission resumes talks with key issues topping agenda
4 hours ago | National
Most Read
Over Tk 2.5 lakh crore textile investment under threat
Over Tk 2.5 lakh crore textile investment under threat
6 hours ago | Special
World War III has already begun — Russian researcher Dmitry Trenin
World War III has already begun — Russian researcher Dmitry Trenin
4 hours ago | International
Tarique-Zubaida's trial in judicial court was not impartial: High Court
Tarique-Zubaida's trial in judicial court was not impartial: High Court
18 hours ago | National
Taka rises fast – what’s causing the dollar to slip?
Taka rises fast – what’s causing the dollar to slip?
8 hours ago | Economy
The challenge of Tk 14,000 crore Payra Port
The challenge of Tk 14,000 crore Payra Port
6 hours ago | Special
3,554 murders, 4,105 rapes, 819 kidnappings in 10 months
3,554 murders, 4,105 rapes, 819 kidnappings in 10 months
5 hours ago | National
Many trying to hinder elections in the country: Mirza Fakhrul
Many trying to hinder elections in the country: Mirza Fakhrul
21 hours ago | National
World Youth Skills Day tomorrow
World Youth Skills Day tomorrow
23 hours ago | National
NBR’s ITIIU uncovers Tk1,874cr tax evasion in 7 months
NBR’s ITIIU uncovers Tk1,874cr tax evasion in 7 months
8 hours ago | Economy
Rizwana for building discrimination free country to truly honour July martyrs
Rizwana for building discrimination free country to truly honour July martyrs
20 hours ago | National
Tarique under fire: BNP leaders decry targeted smear campaigns
Tarique under fire: BNP leaders decry targeted smear campaigns
5 hours ago | Special
Bangladesh’s maiden antivenom project for Russell’s viper faces funding setback
Bangladesh’s maiden antivenom project for Russell’s viper faces funding setback
5 hours ago | National
Launch, ferry movement halted on 10 Bhola routes
Launch, ferry movement halted on 10 Bhola routes
5 hours ago | National
'Bangladesh-South Korea FTA to foster deeper economic integration'
'Bangladesh-South Korea FTA to foster deeper economic integration'
8 hours ago | Economy
Legendary singer Farida Parveen moved to cabin
Legendary singer Farida Parveen moved to cabin
7 hours ago | Showbiz
Asif Nazrul ‘confident’ July massacre trials can be completed during govt tenure
Asif Nazrul ‘confident’ July massacre trials can be completed during govt tenure
20 hours ago | National
Floodwater recedes, Tk43 lakh crop loss reported across 20 districts
Floodwater recedes, Tk43 lakh crop loss reported across 20 districts
9 hours ago | National
CA orders immediate appointment to vacant head teacher posts in pry school
CA orders immediate appointment to vacant head teacher posts in pry school
3 hours ago | National
French envoy upbeat about fair, inclusive polls in Bangladesh
French envoy upbeat about fair, inclusive polls in Bangladesh
8 hours ago | National
Bashundhara Kings join badminton league aiming to revive the sport
Bashundhara Kings join badminton league aiming to revive the sport
7 hours ago | Sports
Dhaka’s air continues to be ‘moderate’
Dhaka’s air continues to be ‘moderate’
6 hours ago | City
Beyonce's unreleased music stolen from car
Beyonce's unreleased music stolen from car
6 hours ago | Showbiz
Power deals signed under ousted AL govt to be reviewed: Finance adviser
Power deals signed under ousted AL govt to be reviewed: Finance adviser
3 hours ago | National
Australia pledges support for CHT development
Australia pledges support for CHT development
19 hours ago | National
Around 14 million children received no vaccinations in 2024: UN
Around 14 million children received no vaccinations in 2024: UN
7 hours ago | International
Govt to import 4 lakh tonnes of rice to avert food risk in flood season
Govt to import 4 lakh tonnes of rice to avert food risk in flood season
2 hours ago | National
Dengue: 2 more die, 330 hospitalised in 24hrs
Dengue: 2 more die, 330 hospitalised in 24hrs
22 hours ago | National
Saudi keen to strengthen relations with Bangladesh
Saudi keen to strengthen relations with Bangladesh
19 hours ago | City
Govt starts collecting uprising memories through 'Notes on July'
Govt starts collecting uprising memories through 'Notes on July'
3 hours ago | National
ACC to sue ex-AL MP Hanif over graft, money laundering
ACC to sue ex-AL MP Hanif over graft, money laundering
23 hours ago | National