Reflexes like in the film wanted?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of achieving reaction times similar to those depicted in the film "Wanted," particularly in relation to the influence of adrenaline on human performance. Participants explore the implications of adrenaline on reaction time, comparing cinematic portrayals with real-world physiological limits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of achieving such rapid reaction times, suggesting that physiological constraints of the human body, including eye and muscle response times, limit this capability.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the claims made in the film, emphasizing that while reaction time can be trained, it cannot be drastically improved beyond natural limits.
  • A third participant challenges the initial claim regarding adrenaline, asking for scientific references and arguing that clarity of mind is crucial for optimal reaction times, as seen in competitive sports like drag racing.
  • There is a mention of a removed video, which was deemed too violent, leading to questions about its content and relevance to the discussion.
  • One participant advises caution in drawing conclusions based on Hollywood portrayals, suggesting that they may not accurately reflect reality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the realism of reaction times portrayed in the film, with some agreeing that the cinematic representation is exaggerated while others explore the potential effects of adrenaline. Overall, the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the limitations of relying on cinematic depictions for understanding human capabilities, noting the physiological constraints that govern reaction times and the importance of mental clarity in high-stakes situations.

physics user1
Is it possible to have reaction time like Weasley in the film Wanted?
They state that people like him have quick reaction time because they can handle huge amount of adrenaline... so with a strong heart, is it possible to react that fast using the adrenaline?

(Video reference removed by mentor)
 
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For that scene, I don't see an unrealistic reaction time. But if we consider the whole movie: No. Our eyes are not fast enough. Our brain cells are not fast enough. The transmission to the muscles is not fast enough. The muscles are not fast enough.

You can train the reaction time, but you cannot speed it up by a factor 10 or more.
 
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Cozma Alex said:
They state that people like him have quick reaction time because they can handle huge amount of adrenaline
Who is "they"? Can you post a link to a reasonably scientific article that discusses this?

I think you'll agree that reaction time is extremely important in drag racing, and drag racers work a lot on getting their reliable reaction time (without a false start) as quick as possible. I doubt they mix anything like caffeine or adrenaline into speed up their reactions. You want your head as clear as possible to let the path from perception to action be as fast as possible.

You might enjoy this article about reaction times of drag racers and archers... http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/9871/

:smile:
 
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Thank you guys, :)
But... why was the video removed? I got it from you tube
 
It was a bit too violent for our tastes. Folks can go find it and watch it if they want to.
 
As a general rule, it's probably not a good idea to gauge what is and it not possible based on what Hollywood shows you.
 
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