Abstract

LAGE, Guilherme M. et al. Manual asymmetries and task complexity in aiming skills. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.1, pp.47-57. ISSN 1645-0523.

This study investigated the manual asymmetries in two tasks with different levels of complexity. Two aiming tasks with different number of components were used. The first one was defined as discrete task (simple task) and the second one defined as serial task (complex task). Ten right-handed participants performed one block of 5 trials of both tasks with their right and left hands. The movements were recorded at a sample rate of 400 Hz. The results indicated an effect of task complexity to the measures of reaction time, contact time to the 1^st target (movement time), peak velocity to the 1^st target, proportional time to reach the peak velocity to the 1^st target. Manual asymmetries were found in both tasks in the variables response time and number of corrections after the peak velocity to the 1^st target. The effects of task complexity on manual asymmetries were not observed. The results are discussed in relation to the restricted generalization of previous findings found in neurophysiological and behavioral studies.    

Keywords : manual asymmetries; task complexity; aiming skills.

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