Handwriting kinematics during learning to write with the dominant left hand in converted left-handers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Learning
• Handedness Research

Background:

• Historically, left-handers were often converted to right-hand dominance, especially for handwriting.
• This practice raises questions about the potential for relearning dominant-hand skills in adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a 2-year training program designed to help converted left-handers relearn to write with their dominant left hand.
• To compare the handwriting kinematics of converted left-handers undergoing training with those of innate left-handers.

Main Methods:

• Eleven converted left-handers participated in a 2-year handwriting training program.
• Handwriting kinematics were assessed across seven sessions.
• Data were compared to 11 age- and gender-matched innate left-handed controls.

Main Results:

• Converted left-handers showed rapid increases in left-hand writing frequency, surpassing controls in basic tasks after 24 months.
• Significant improvements in left-hand writing frequency and duration were observed for complex tasks.
• Despite improvements, trained participants' left-hand writing remained slower and less automatic than innate left-handers' for complex tasks.

Conclusions:

• The training program was effective in improving left-hand writing skills, particularly for basic tasks and frequency/automaticity in complex tasks.
• Converted left-handers did not achieve the same level of handwriting proficiency as innate left-handers within the 2-year timeframe.
• Factors such as age, neural plasticity, and potential interference may explain the remaining differences.