High values of body mass index do not worsen the parameters of sensorimotor reactivity in adolescents 15-17 years
Relations between the latent periods of the simple sensorimotor reaction to the light stimulus (LPRS) and the body mass index (BMI) in the adolescents aged 15-17 years were analyzed.The distribution of adolescents into groups was based on their age (15, 16 and 17 years), gender (boys and girls), and the value of BMI. In each sex-age group, the median and standard deviation for BMI were calculated, the mean values from Me-1SD to Me+1SD were interpreted as normal, the values up to (or equal to) Me-1SD were considered as low BMI, over (or equal) Me+1SD - as high BMI.It is shown that in all sex-age groups the adolescents, which differing in value of the body mass index react to a light stimulus with equal latency periods. However, there are gender differences in the latent periods of a simple sensorimotor reaction to a light stimulus (young men react more quickly).In a number of cases, correlation relationships have been revealed between BMI and LPRS: 16-year-old girls and 17-year-olds have negative correlation of LPRS with their growth (higher adolescents respond more quickly to stimulus); 16-year-olds have a negative correlation of LPRS with body weight and BMI (larger boys react more quickly to the signal).