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Relationships between hand and foot preferences.
Cagatay Barut1, Cenk Murat Ozer, Ozdemir Sevinc
1Karaelmas University, School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Zonguldak, Turkey. cagatayb@tr.net
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|March 22, 2007
Summary
This study found significant differences in foot preference based on hand preference in Turkish men and women. Cultural factors may explain these variations in hand-foot dominance.
Area of Science:
- Human Movement Science
- Neuroscience
- Anthropology
Background:
- Hand preference is a well-established trait, but foot preference shows greater variability.
- Understanding the relationship between hand and foot dominance can offer insights into brain lateralization and motor control.
- Previous research has indicated potential cultural influences on limb preferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hand preference (right-handed, left-handed, ambidextrous) and foot preference (right, left, both) in a Turkish population.
- To determine if gender influences the relationship between hand and foot preferences.
- To explore potential cultural factors contributing to observed patterns.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 343 males and 290 females aged 18-42 years.
- Participants were categorized based on self-reported hand preference: right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous.
- Foot preference was assessed by asking participants to indicate their preferred foot for kicking or other unilateral actions.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in foot preference were observed across different hand preference groups in both men and women.
- In men, left-handed individuals showed a higher preference for the left foot (56.9%) compared to right-handed (7.1%) or ambidextrous (28.0%) individuals.
- In women, left-handed individuals also showed a strong preference for the left foot (79.4%), while right-handed women predominantly preferred the right foot (89.9%).
Conclusions:
- Hand and foot preferences are significantly related in the Turkish population, with left-handedness more frequently associated with left-foot preference.
- Observed variations in foot preference patterns may be influenced by cultural factors specific to the Turkish population.
- Further research is warranted to explore the neurobiological and cultural underpinnings of limb preference.
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