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Hand differences in the rate and variability of rapid tapping.
1Department of Physical Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48104, USA.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|March 1, 1980
Summary
The dominant hand taps faster and with less variability than the non-dominant hand, particularly during the key-depression phase of each tap. This study investigated hand differences in rapid tapping performance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human motor control
- Motor learning
Background:
- Handedness influences motor performance.
- Understanding manual asymmetries is crucial for motor control research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate hand differences in the rate and variability of rapid tapping.
- To examine intertap interval constituents (key depression and release phases).
Main Methods:
- Included subjects with clear manual superiority.
- Utilized Fitts' reciprocal tapping task to categorize hand dominance.
- Employed analysis of variance to compare dominant and non-dominant hands.
Main Results:
- The dominant hand exhibited a faster tapping rate (shorter intertap interval).
- This rate difference was significant in the key-depression phase.
- The dominant hand showed less variability in intertap interval and its components.
Conclusions:
- Dominant hand superiority in tapping rate and consistency is confirmed.
- Findings suggest potential links to hemispheric asymmetries in sequential motor abilities.