Reaction time to the onset and offset of electrocutaneous stimuli as a function of rise and decay time

Reaction times were obtained to the onset and offset of 70-cps electrocutaneous signals of five rise and decay times and five intensity levels. The results show that both onset and offset RTs increase linearly with increased rise and decay times. With fast rates of rise or decay, the onset produces faster RTs than the cessation of stimulation. The opposite effect is found when long rise and decay times are used. Interpretations of these results are given in terms of neural adaptation and accommodation.