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[Left-handedness and health]
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Left-handedness, a human trait, is linked to certain health and developmental disorders. Research confirms associations with spinal deformities and general traumatism, though definitions of left-handedness vary.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Genetics
- Anthropology
Context:
- Hand dominance is a key indicator of cerebral lateralization, a uniquely human trait.
- Left-handedness prevalence varies globally (6-14%), with lower rates in Serbia (5-10%) potentially due to reduced socio-cultural pressures.
- Defining left-handedness remains debated, impacting population statistics and etiological research.
Purpose:
- To explore the prevalence and etiological factors of left-handedness.
- To review the scientific literature on the association between left-handedness and various health/developmental disorders.
- To address the controversy surrounding the definition of left-handedness and its impact on research findings.
Summary:
- Left-handedness is linked to numerous health conditions, including spinal deformities, immunological disorders, migraines, and developmental issues like autism and dyslexia.
- The strongest evidence connects left-handedness to spinal deformities in pubertal children and general traumatism.
- Discrepancies in research results may stem from differing criteria for assessing left-handedness, with some advocating for broader laterality assessments beyond writing hand.
Impact:
- Clarifies the complex relationship between left-handedness and health outcomes.
- Highlights the need for standardized criteria in laterality assessment for more consistent research.
- Provides a foundation for further investigation into the neurobiological underpinnings, such as the Geschwind-Galaburda model, of left-handedness and associated conditions.
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