Reaction and processing speed

Reaction & processing speed tests on iPhone and iPad

Quick guided tasks for reaction time and consistency.

What this helps track

Reaction and processing speed assessments use quick, guided tasks to help track response time, consistency, and processing-related performance over time.

Why it matters

Reaction time and processing speed are sensitive markers of cognitive change. Repeated, structured tasks make trends easier to recognize than one-off observations.

What this assessment measures

Reaction time and processing speed are considered sensitive early indicators of cognitive change and post-concussion recovery. Simple reaction time reflects basic responsiveness; choice reaction time and multi-trial consistency add signal on attention, decision-making, and sustained processing. Together they build a lightweight, repeatable snapshot of cognitive tempo.

How it works

What a typical session looks like

Each session is short and guided end-to-end, so you can focus on the task.

  1. 1Find a quiet spot and place the device on a stable surface.
  2. 2Respond to on-screen targets as they appear during a short simple-reaction block.
  3. 3Complete a choice-reaction block where the correct response depends on the target.
  4. 4The app records timing and consistency across all trials.
  5. 5Sessions take about two minutes and are designed to be repeated.

What your results show

Session summaries display mean reaction time, choice-reaction accuracy, and trial-to-trial consistency. Longer term, reviewers look for directional shifts and rising variability rather than any single fast or slow response.

Example tasks

Guided assessments in this category

Tasks are designed to be short, repeatable, and easy to complete on iPhone or iPad.

  • Simple reaction time tasks
  • Choice reaction tasks
  • Processing speed checks
  • Consistency over multiple trials
Commonly used for

Conditions where this assessment is often used

Alumina is a tracking tool, not a diagnostic device. These are conditions where this category is commonly used to monitor change over time.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about the reaction and processing speed assessment on Alumina Health.

Why does consistency matter as much as raw speed?

Rising variability between trials is often a more sensitive marker of cognitive change than a small shift in average reaction time.

Should I be well-rested before a session?

Yes. Sleep, caffeine, stress, and time of day all influence reaction time. Running sessions under similar conditions makes trends easier to interpret.

Can I use this to track concussion recovery at home?

Reaction and processing speed check-ins are commonly used alongside symptom logs during concussion recovery. Always follow your clinician's guidance and pair with the Eye-Brain Vision Check when relevant.

Is a slower reaction time a sign of a problem?

Not on its own. Many everyday factors slow reaction time. Alumina helps you compare against your own baseline over time rather than a diagnostic threshold.

Who it may help

Helpful for monitoring related concerns

  • People monitoring cognitive change
  • People tracking attention and processing
  • Caregivers supporting cognitive monitoring

Alumina Health is designed to support structured tracking, not diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice.

Related

Other assessment categories

Alumina Health is now available on iPhone and iPad

Download Alumina Health today and take advantage of special launch pricing through June 30, 2026, designed for patients, caregivers, and ongoing care discussions.

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