At what heart rate do individuals typically lose fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills, which are crucial for tasks requiring precise movements and coordination, typically begin to diminish in effectiveness as heart rate increases due to physical stress or emotional arousal. Research indicates that this loss of fine motor control usually becomes pronounced around 115 beats per minute (BPM). At this heart rate, physiological responses such as increased adrenaline and muscle tension can impair the ability to perform tasks that demand dexterity and precision.

Higher heart rates, such as 145 BPM or 175 BPM, further exacerbate this decline in fine motor skills, but 115 BPM represents the threshold where noticeable impairment starts to occur. This understanding is particularly relevant for peace officers and other professionals who must perform critical tasks under pressure, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure and proficiency even in stressful situations.