Crossed Dominance of Hand and Eye in Relation to Poliomyelitis

Abstract

Eye and hand dominance of 98 poliomyelitics were studied. The crossed dominant ones (sighting with left eye, writing with right hand) were more frequently paralyzed than the matched dominants. The paralysis of the crossed dominants was more frequent and more severe on the right side. Crossed dominant children may be, in some way, more susceptible to the virus of poliomyelitis. One or two mechanisms could be operating. First, crossed dominant children, with an excess of nervous energy, may play harder than other children, resulting in a greater degree of fatigue, which is an acknowledged predisposing factor. Second, the nervous tension itself, over a period of time, may be stressful, thus increasing the vulnerability of the neural system.