Exploring the relationship between postural demands and manual asymmetriesin pegboard performance

Pegboard performance (Annett, 1967) was studied in 32 right-handed individu als while Trunk posture (Straight, Bent) and foot Stance (feet Apart, tande m Romberg position) were manipulated. Movement time (MT) was measured at th e time to complete one trial of the 10-peg task. A repeated measures ANOVA yielded significant main effects of Hand (LH > RH, p < .001) and Trunk (Ben t > Straight, p < .001). No interactions reached significance (p > .15). MT interference scores were calculated for each hand relative to a sitting co ntrol condition. Contrary to a previous study (Westwood et al., in press), there was a nonsignificant trend toward greater interference for the left t han right hand in the Bent posture (p > .40). Results are interpreted in te rms of the relationship between postural demands and movement control. (C) 1999 Academic Press.