______ is the amount of time from the moment a person decides to move until movement begins.

The concept of reaction time is crucial in physical education and sports as it represents the duration between an individual's decision to initiate a movement and the actual execution of that movement. This period is essential because it can influence overall performance in various physical activities and sports. Faster reaction times typically lead to improved performance, especially in competitive environments where immediate responses are necessary.

For instance, in a sprinting race, the quicker a runner reacts to the starting signal, the better their chance of achieving a successful start. This is not only applicable in athletics but in numerous sports such as basketball, football, and tennis, where players must respond quickly to dynamic situations. Thus, reaction time is a fundamental aspect of physical performance, demonstrating the importance of this skill in achieving optimal results in various physical tasks.