Left-right comparison and children's performance on sensorimotor tests

This study compared overall performance level for both hands combined (OPL) with several lateral deviation measures calculated from scores on a composite finger localization task (FLT) and a speeded pegboard task (SPT) administered to 92 kindergarten entrants. Laterality indices were interrelated moderately or highly on each task, consistently were unrelated to OPL with respect to FLT results, and in some instances were related modestly to OPL for the SPT procedure. Significant relationships, when observed, suggested a limited tendency to diminished motor asymmetry with slowed overall performance. Results, in general, support the view that OPL and lateral deviation as measured in this study are not mutually confounded and, in large degree, comprise relatively independent sources of information to be used in a complementary manner to arrive at accurate neuropsychological inferences.