Brain Lateralization and Its Influence on Motor Learning: Time Taken in the Acquisition of a Novel Motor Task in the Right and Left Hand Dominant Healthy Subjects

Aim: To identify the difference in motor learning duration between right and left dominant subjects for a novel task.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study design with two groups, pre and post-intervention assessment

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at KMCH College of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore, between January to July 2018.

Methodology: 30 healthy subjects, 15 right dominant in group A and 15 left dominant in group B, within the age group of 18 to 25 years, were selected for the study. A well-designed practice protocol was made for a novel motor task of transferring wooden cubes of 1cm3 from one tray to another using chopsticks. Pre and post-test scores were recorded as the total time taken to transfer 50 cubes.

Results: 9 males and 6 females were recruited in each group. It was identified that both groups had a significant reduction in the time taken to complete the task. (Mean Difference Group A=109.2±5.5; B=111.1±5.7).

Conclusion: We conclude that there is no difference in the duration of motor learning between right and left dominant subjects. Both groups demonstrated a significant reduction in the time taken to complete the novel task with 7 sessions of practice. Hand dominance will not influence the time taken in acquiring skill in performing a motor activity through practice/training.