Abstract

ARAUJO, Ulysses O.; MEIRA JR., Cássio M.; NEIVA, Jaqueline F.O.  and  UMEKI, Miriam Y.. Effector independence and moderate practice with the left hand in right-handers. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.2, pp.251-258. ISSN 1645-0523.

The effector independence (ability to perform a task using different effectors) was investigated focusing the bilateral transfer of learning. Specifically, we investigated the hypothesis that practice using the left hand in right-handers would lead to effector independent learning followed by effector dependent learning, as addressed in the findings with practice using the right hand. Eighteen adults (mean age 25.6 ± 2.9 years) performed twenty trials in a fine hand dexterity task (pin insertion) over two days (Grooved Pegboard Test), inserting 25 pins per trial. The design consisted of a pre-test, an intermediate retention test after five trials, and a final retention test after the completion of the practice. The results supported the hypothesis: performance of the left hand improved from the pre-test to the intermediate retention test, and from the latter to the final retention test, while the performance of the right hand improved only from the pre-test to the intermediate retention test. The pattern of effector independence followed by specificity regarding the effector was similar to the one found over practice with the right hand in right-handers. This suggests a reconsideration of an absolute effector independence throughout practice.

Keywords : effector independence; bilateral transfer; practice; motor learning.

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