Abstract
Previous studies exploring specific brain functions of left- and right-handed subjects have shown variances in spatial and motor abilities that might be explained according to consistent structural and functional differences. Given the role of both spatial and motor information in the processing of temporal intervals, we designed a study aimed at investigating timing abilities in left-handed subjects. To this purpose both left- and right-handed subjects were asked to perform a time reproduction of sub-second vs. supra-second time intervals with their left and right hand. Our results show that during processing of the supra-second intervals left-handed participants sub-estimated the duration of the intervals, independently of the hand used to perform the task, while no differences were reported for the sub-second intervals. These results are discussed on the basis of recent findings on supra-second motor timing, as well as emerging evidence that suggests a linear representation of time with a left-to-right displacement.
Highlights
The literature exploring brain functions of left and right-handed subjects has shown variances in spatial and motor abilities that might be explained by consistent structural and functional differences.In terms of visuo-spatial skills it is thought that in right-handed subjects, the right hemisphere has a prominent role in orienting attention toward the ipsi and contralateral space (Heilman et al, 1987)
Our results show that during processing of the supra-second intervals left-handed participants sub-estimated the duration of the intervals, independently of the hand used to perform the task, while no differences were reported for the sub-second intervals
The rationale of our study was based on previous findings that reported substantial differences in the processing of visuo-spatial and motor information between left-handed and right-handed groups (Scarisbrick et al, 1987; Peters, 1991; Sampaio and Chokron, 1992; Luh, 1995; Rushworth et al, 1997; Solodkin et al, 2001; Begliomini et al, 2008; Vingerhoets et al, 2011)
Summary
In terms of visuo-spatial skills it is thought that in right-handed subjects, the right hemisphere has a prominent role in orienting attention toward the ipsi and contralateral space (Heilman et al, 1987). This leads to an over-representation of the left hemispace in comparison to the right hemispace (Kinsbourne, 1970). In the important study of Luh (1995) researchers reported a larger leftward bias in left-handed subjects than in right-handed subjects. Scarisbrick et al (1987) provided evidence for an over-representation of the left hemispace in left-handed people. The data reported that left-handed subjects using their left hand deviated significantly further left than right-handed subjects using their left hand
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