Relationship between Manual Midline Crossing and Hand Preference

Abstract

The relationship between manual midline crossing and hand preference was studied in 200 2- to 6-year-old children. Performance patterns of right-, left-, and mixed-handed children were compared. Right- and left-handed children exhibited significantly greater frequency of preferred than nonpreferred hand use for total hand use and for contralateral hand responses. The right-handed group showed a developmental trend for contralateral hand responses, with age-related changes due to a progressive increase in frequency of contralateral right (preferred) hand responses. The mixed-handed group displayed a weak preference toward use of the right hand for total hand use and for contralateral hand responses. A general reduction in frequency of midline crossing cited within the mixed-handed group was due to reduced frequency of contralateral right-hand responses. The theoretical significance of the research findings and their implications for sensory integration test interpretation are discussed.

Keywords

sensory integration hemispheric specialization

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