23 Indian Journal of Medical and Health Sciences / Volume 2 Number 1, January - June 2015 Indian Journal of Medical & Health Sciences Volume 2 Number 1, January - June 2015 O riginal Article Catch the Moving Ruler and Estimate Reaction Time in Children Abstract Background: Advances in mobile based software application made the estimation of one’s reaction time (RT) with more accuracy and reliable. But whether the same can be established by the Ruler Drop Method (RDM) in children are not yet explored. Objective: To establish the validity of RDM in typically developing children (TDC). Method: Eighteen TDC were recruited for the cross-sectional study by the simple random sampling from recognized school. All the anthropometric measurement were taken prior to commencement of the study. In RDM, the child were made to sit with their dominant forearm resting on a flat horizontal table surface, with their open hand at the edge of the surface. When the examiner suspend and release the ruler vertically the child were instructed to catch it as quickly as possible. The distance the ruler fell was recorded, in centimetres, by measuring from the end of the ruler to superior aspect of the child’s hand. This distance was converted to reaction time in milliseconds (ms). Spearman’a Rank-Order correlation was used to establish the validity with the mobile based software application (MBSA) in estimating RT as the criterion referenced. Result: RDM shows moderate to good degree of relationship with MBSA with Spearman’s Á (rho) = 0.54 (p=0.031). Conclusion: RDM is proved to be valid among TDC. Keywords: Boys; Children; Girls; Reaction Time Ruler; Ruler; Ruler Drop Test; Validity. Introduction Reaction time (RT) is the delay between presence of stimulus and beginning of response [1]. It is a measure how quickly an organism can respond to a particular stimulus. Lesser the reaction time it multiplies ones achievements in many areas such as, sports, academics, music, dance, driving, defence etc. By identifying the person’s reaction time, we can predict reacting abilities in the above mentioned situations. In case of children, this helps us to identify the children with prolonged reaction time and to identify the cause. Thereby individual attention can be given to these children at their younger age. Thus, estimating the reaction time of children at their younger age is more prior. Reaction time of an individual is estimated clinically by computerized neuropsychological test [2, 3]. But high professional guidance in estimating reaction time makes this unavailable cost and for the school children. Though mobile based android applications are available for estimating reaction time, but the restricted usage of mobiles at schools makes this as a tough task. Eckner et al [4, 5] validated his simple instrument for the estimation of reaction time in college students. In our preliminary study, we established the reliability of ruler drop method (RDM) in estimating RT and it was found to have excellent reliability among typically developing children (TDC). Hence, there is a definite need to validate a simple instrument to be used in schools like ruler. IJMHS (Jan-Jun 2015) 02 (01): 23-26 / ©Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd. Author’s Affiliation: *,****Post Graduate student **,***Assistant Professor, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana University Road, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana- 133 207 Reprint request: Asir John Samuel, MPT, Assistant Professor, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana University Road, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana- 133 207 E-mail: asirjohnsamuel@mmumullana.org, asirjohnsamuel@gmail.com Vencita Priyanka Aranha*, Ruchi Joshi**, Asir John Samuel***, Kavita Sharma****