Reaction time to electrocutaneous onset and offset stimulation

Sticht, Thomas G.; Foulke, Emerson · 1966 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.3758/bf03342256

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This study investigates the difference in reaction times (RTs) to the onset versus the offset of electrocutaneous stimulation, aiming to replicate and refine earlier findings by Woodrow (1915). The research was motivated by the need to understand the basic nature of electrocutaneous stimulation for the development of an electrocutaneous communication code. While Woodrow previously observed faster RTs to stimulus onset than offset, attributing the delay to "after-tingling," his methods were considered crude. This study employed improved electronic controls and varied stimulus intensities to determine if the onset-offset disparity persisted and to explore alternative explanations, such as neural adaptation. The experiment involved two male graduate students who were extensively practiced in reacting to electrocutaneous stimuli. Participants were seated in a sound-deadened booth and received 70 cps alternating current stimuli via electrodes placed on the left index finger (active) and palm (inactive). Stimulus intensity was adjusted to three levels (low, medium, and high) for each subject, with currents ranging from approximately 440 to 720 microamperes. RTs were measured using a Hunter Klockounter, with stimulus foreperiods randomized between 1.5 and 4.0 seconds to prevent synchronization. Each participant completed two experimental sessions, yielding 50 RTs per condition (onset/offset × three intensities). Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed ranks tests and Friedman two-way analysis of variance. The results confirmed that RTs to stimulus onset were significantly faster than RTs to offset at all three intensity levels (p < 0.01). Both onset and offset RTs decreased as stimulus intensity increased (p < 0.005). However, the difference between onset and offset RTs was greatest at the lowest intensity and diminished at higher intensities. Notably, the rate of RT increase as intensity decreased was steeper for offset responses than for onset responses. Unlike Woodrow’s findings, participants did not report "after-tingling." Instead, they reported that the sensation tended to "adapt-out" or fade during continued stimulation, particularly at the weakest intensity. The authors conclude that the faster onset RTs are likely due to an initial "burst" of neural impulses generated by the sudden change in neural state, providing a strong signal for detection. In contrast, the slower offset RTs result from neural adaptation; during constant current stimulation, the number of propagated impulses decreases, leaving a reduced nerve input to be modulated when the stimulus ceases. This adaptation hypothesis explains the subjective fading of sensation and the corresponding delay in detecting offset. These findings support the use of electrocutaneous stimulation for communication systems by clarifying the physiological mechanisms underlying stimulus detection.

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