Examining the stabilising characteristics of footedness

The stabilising characteristics of footedness within the contexts of unilateral and bilateral preference and performance were examined. Predictions from Previc's (1991) theory of prenatal determination of functional asymmetry suggest a reliance on the left side of the body for stabilisation regardless of context. To test the hypothesis, right- and left-footers (as assessed bilaterally) were examined for preference and performance using a one-leg static balance task on a force plate in simple and complex conditions. Results indicated that preference for stabilisation in the bilateral context was independent of limb choice in the unilateral context. That is, the majority of individuals switched limbs for stabilisation in the unilateral context (most favoured the right side). These findings lead to the conclusion that foot preference may be dependent in part on the context of the task and not bound exclusively to neurodevelopmental origins.