Hand skill asymmetry in professional musicians

Author(s): Schlaug, G., Steinmetz, H.

Journal/Book: Brain Cognition. 1997; 34: 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495. Academic Press Inc Jnl-Comp Subscriptions. 424-432.

Abstract: Hand skill asymmetry on two handedness tasks was examined in consistent right-handed musicians and nonmusicians as well as mixed-handed and consistent left-handed nonmusicians. Musicians. Although demonstrating right-hand superiority, revealed a lesser degree of hand skill asymmetry than consistent right-handed nonmusicians. Increased left-hand skill in musicians accounted fur their reduced asymmetry. Musicians predominantly playing keyboard instruments demonstrated superior tapping performance than musicians playing predominantly string instruments, although they did not differ with respect to hand skill asymmetry. Since the diminished tapping asymmetry in musicians was related to early commencement but not duration of musical training, results are interpreted as an adaptation process due to performance requirements interacting with cerebral maturation during childhood.

Note: Article Jancke L, Univ Dusseldorf, Inst Gen Psychol 1, Univ Str, D-40225 Dusseldorf, GERMANY

Keyword(s): LEFT-HANDEDNESS; PERFORMANCE; ASSOCIATION; CONSTRAINTS; PREFERENCE; CHILDREN; TIME; TASK

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