A task-dependent analysis of closed vs. open and fine vs. gross motor skills in handedness

Alexandre J Marcori ¹, Matheus G Gamberini ¹, Sebastian Ocklenburg ^2,3,4

⁰Physical Education Department, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.

Laterality +

|

August 18, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Handedness research often overlooks motor skill types. This study found that fine, closed motor skills show stronger hand preference (lateralization) than gross, closed or gross, open skills.

Area Of Science

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Human Movement Science

Background

Traditional handedness research has primarily focused on motor skill complexity (complex vs. less complex).
The influence of distinct motor skill classifications (e.g., fine vs. gross, open vs. closed) on handedness has been largely unexplored.
A gap exists in understanding how the inherent characteristics of motor tasks modulate manual preference.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate manual preference across different motor skill classifications: fine and closed (FC), gross and closed (GC), and gross and open (GO).
To determine if handedness (degree and direction) differs based on these specific motor skill characteristics.
To expand upon existing motor skill complexity definitions by incorporating classic classifications.

Main Methods

Assessed hand preference using the Global Lateral Preference Inventory.
Recruited 440 participants (244 women) aged 18–59 years.
Compared manual preference across FC, GC, and GO motor skill tasks.

Main Results

Stronger manual lateralization was observed for fine and closed (FC) motor skills compared to gross and closed (GC) and gross and open (GO) skills.
Gross and open (GO) skills exhibited less lateralization than gross and closed (GC) skills.
Handedness patterns are modulated by the interaction between classic motor skill classifications.

Conclusions

Manual preference is influenced not only by task complexity but also by the interplay of fine/gross and open/closed motor skill characteristics.
Future handedness research should incorporate fine/gross and open/closed classifications for a more comprehensive analysis of preference asymmetries.
This study highlights the nuanced nature of handedness, extending beyond simple complexity measures.

Keywords:

Functional laterality hand preference lateral preference motor behaviour motor control