Association between interlimb transfer and manual asymmetry: analysis of serial reaction time task
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.110512Keywords:
Motor learning, Laterality, Motor control, Performance, HandednessAbstract
Introduction: This study investigates the relationship between interlimb transfer and manual asymmetry in a serial reaction time task.
Objective: Our hypothesis was that transfer would primarily occur from the preferred to the non-preferred hand, with the right-hand (RH) practice showing an inverse relationship with asymmetry and the left-hand (LH) practice showing a proportional relationship.
Methodology: Thirty-two right-handed undergraduate students (16 men, 16 women) performed a finger sequence key-pressing task. We did not find significant differences in interlimb transfer or asymmetry indices. However, we did find moderate correlations between transfer and asymmetry: positive for LH and negative for RH.
Discussion: Despite our anticipation of greater transfer from the right hand to the left, no directional transfer was detected. The task's cognitive and motor demands could explain the absence of transfer direction. As expected, the study observed no differences in asymmetry between groups. The correlation between transfer and asymmetry was significant: the RH showed an inverse relationship, suggesting it transferred more task elements to the LH.
Conclusions: These findings have significant implications for our understanding of motor learning and transfer, enlightening us about the complex interplay between hand dominance and task demands.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lidiane Aparecida Fernandes, Guilherme Menezes Lage, Érica Cesário Defilipo, Cristiani Junqueira, Lucas Eduardo Antunes Bicalho, Viviane Lima Gonçalves, Beatriz Couto Fortuna, Rodrigo Flores Sartori, Daiana Amaral Medeiros da Silva, Lilian Carla Macedo, Tércio Apolinário-Souza
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