A study to compare the hand motor functions of right-handed and left-handed children
Journal Title: Medpulse International Journal of Physiology - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Humans are predominantly right-handed (90%-10%). Also handedness is related to socio-cultural context such that in non-western cultures like India the preferred hand is the right hand and strict sanctions are observed about the use of left hand. Earlier studies have contested that right-handers significantly outperform the left-handers on motor performance, explaining that maturational differences provide an advantage to those with left hemispheric dominance. The present study seeks to investigate whether left-handed children are in a disadvantage to right-handed children with respect to hand motor performance and whether socio-cultural pressures have validation. Methods: 100 school children in the age group 10-14 years were the subjects. Their handedness was first established using Edinburg Handedness Inventory. Three reliable tests of motor performance: hand grip, finger tapping, hand steadiness were measured using dynamometer, mechanical tapper, hand steadiness machine respectively. Results: There were no significant difference for all the three motor tests between the dominant hands, and between the non-dominant hands of right- and left- handed children of this age group. Conclusion: The study shows that left-handers perform similarly to right-handers on all three measures. This is in contrast to earlier suggestions that right-handers with left hemispheric dominance outperformed the left-handers. This reflects that there is no difference in development pattern and maturation between the two groups of this age group. And suggest that left-handers are not at a disadvantage, and children should be allowed to choose their own handedness without any socio-cultural pressures.
Authors and Affiliations
Karthik M
Keywords
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