Mk. Fearing et al., Dual-task performance in right- and left-handed adults: A finger-tapping and foot-tapping study, PERC MOT SK, 92(2), 2001, pp. 323-334
The dual-task paradigm has been used extensively to study laterality with c
oncurrent verbalization interfering with right finger-tapping in right hand
ers, Only a few studies have used this paradigm to study interference patte
rns in left handers and have found inconsistent results. The dual-task para
digm has not been used to study interference effects with concurrent verbal
ization and foot-tapping. The objective e of this study was to use this par
adigm to assess whether verbal interference produces different effects on f
inger- and foot-tapping rate for right handers as compared to left handers.
12 right-handed and 12 left-handed men were studied, each with uncrossed h
and and foot dominance, i.e., all individuals were either right handed and
right footed or left handed and left footed, Subjects performed finger- and
foot-tapping tasks with and without verbal interference. A significant rel
ationship was found between handedness and finger and foot-tapping rate; in
dividuals with a stronger right-hand preference tended to tap at a higher I
ate on tile right side and vice-versa. Analogous relationships were not fo
und when participants were tapping and speaking concurrently. With verbal i
nterference, both right and left handers had a significant asymmetric effec
t with a decremental response in right finger-tapping rate and a facilitati
ve effect on left finger-tapping rate. In contrast, there was a bilateral d
ecremental response in foot-tapping with verbal interference in both right
and left handers. The implications of these findings are discussed with ref
erence to cerebral laterality of language systems and to the differential o
rganization and integration oi the motor representations of the hand and th
e foot.