Individual differences in degree of handedness and somesthetic asymmetry predict individual differences in left-right confusion

Behav Brain Res. 2009 Dec 1;204(1):212-6. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.06.004. Epub 2009 Jun 10.

Abstract

Confusion or frustration connected with daily demands involving left-right discrimination is a common observation even in neurologically intact adults. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the degree of left-right confusion is associated with bodily asymmetry. Sixty-two female volunteers performed a left-right decision task that required fast responses to visually presented directional words (left, right, up, down) or pictograms (<--, -->, upward arrow, downward arrow). Participants also performed several tests that measured asymmetry of handedness, grip strength, and tactile sensitivity, and completed self-reports on left-right confusion and perceived bodily asymmetry. Results showed significant correlations between left-right confusion and the degree of handedness and asymmetry in tactile sensitivity. These results suggest that individuals who reveal a stronger internal bias between both sides of the body show less left-right confusion than people with less salient bodily asymmetry.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Confusion*
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Hand Strength
  • Humans
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Reaction Time
  • Reading
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensory Thresholds
  • Space Perception*
  • Spatial Behavior*
  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Touch Perception