The physiological association between forced vital capacity and reaction time in healthy medical students

Eric Mayo Dagradi (), Nining Widyah Kusnanik (), Endang Sri Wahjuni (), Asami Rietta Kumala () and Indri Ngesti Rahayu ()

Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 2025, vol. 9, issue 11, 1216-1225

Abstract: Forced vital capacity (FVC) has been proposed as a physiological factor influencing cognitive performance, including reaction time (RT). However, evidence in healthy young adults is limited. This study investigated the association between FVC and RT among medical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 healthy, non-smoking students at the Medical Students of Hang Tuah University. FVC was measured using a digital spirometer, while simple reaction time (SRT) was assessed with computerized tests. Shapiro–Wilk and Spearman’s correlation were applied for analysis. Males showed slightly higher mean FVC (93.95 ± 9.96%) compared to females (92.43 ± 7.60%). Mean SRT was nearly identical (males: 297.83 ± 61.59 ms; females: 298.78 ± 62.73 ms), while CRT was marginally faster in males (437.66 ± 101.12 ms) than in females (445.66 ± 82.39 ms). No significant correlations were found between FVC and SRT (ρ = 0.138, p = 0.437) or between FVC and CRT (ρ = 0.292, p = 0.094). In healthy young adults, FVC is not significantly associated with reaction time. Other factors such as physical fitness, neuromuscular coordination, and stress may play a stronger role. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the physiological links between lung function and cognitive performance.

Keywords: Cognitive function; Forced vital capacity; Medical students; Reaction time. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajp:edwast:v:9:y:2025:i:11:p:1216-1225:id:11101

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