In this episode, we explore one of the most fundamental yet misunderstood aspects of human performance: reaction time. We often assume catching a falling object or responding instantly in sport is purely reflexive—but the truth is far more nuanced. Dr. Daniel Laby, with over 30 years of experience working with elite athletes, helps us unpack what reaction time really is, how it’s measured, and what surprising factors influence it.

We begin by breaking down simple reaction time—the fastest see–process–react loop. Unlike complex in-game decisions, simple reaction time involves a preplanned response to a visual cue. While not a mindless reflex, it’s the shortest possible cognitive pathway, critical for everything from driving to high-level sports performance.

The discussion then shifts to how we measure such a fleeting process. From Francis Galton’s 19th-century ruler drop test to modern computerized systems, each method has strengths and flaws. Even today’s tech introduces delays from sensors, software, and display refresh rates, meaning that raw scores often don’t reflect true human biology. Carefully controlled research suggests the most accurate average simple reaction time is about 210 milliseconds.

Dr. Laby’s work also uncovers key influences on reaction speed. Age clearly matters—reaction time slows by about 55 milliseconds per decade—but sex and race show no significant differences. Most surprising is the discovery of a spatial advantage: people may react faster when a stimulus appears on the opposite side of their reacting hand, likely due to how the brain processes cross-hemisphere information.

These insights have implications well beyond sports. From designing safer dashboards and alert systems to tailoring athletic training, understanding the nuances of reaction time could make a measurable difference in both everyday safety and elite performance.

• Simple Reaction Time Defined: A rapid see–process–react loop involving a preplanned response.
• Measuring Challenges: Traditional ruler tests are simple but imprecise; even computers introduce lag.
• Benchmark Speed: True human reaction time is ~210 ms once system delays are accounted for.
• Impact of Age: Reaction time slows about 55 ms per decade, influencing both athletes and daily activities.
• No Sex or Race Effect: Research shows no significant differences in simple reaction time between groups.
• Spatial Advantage: Faster responses can occur when stimuli appear opposite the reacting hand’s side.
• Applications: Insights can optimize training, sports strategies, and even safety systems like driving or emergency alerts.

• 00:00 – 01:10 | Introduction: Why reflexes aren’t as simple as they seem
• 01:10 – 03:00 | Defining simple reaction time: the see–process–react loop
• 03:00 – 04:30 | Measuring reaction time: ruler drop test & early science
• 04:30 – 06:30 | Modern computer tests: hidden delays and biases
• 06:30 – 08:00 | The true benchmark: ~210 milliseconds
• 08:00 – 09:30 | Age and reaction time: slowing by ~55 ms per decade
• 09:30 – 10:45 | Myths debunked: no sex or race differences
• 10:45 – 11:45 | Spatial advantage: faster when reacting across sides
• 11:45 – 12:33 | Implications for sports, safety, and everyday life

 We often just take our reflexes for granted. Don't we like catching something, falling off a table? Absolutely. Split-second stuff....