Abstract

RODRIGUES, Paula Cristina; VASCONCELOS, Maria Olga  and  BARREIROS, João Manuel. Manual asymmetry development. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2010, vol.10, n.1, pp.230-241. ISSN 1645-0523.

The reduced tendency to be left-handed has been documented in several cultures, in different groups, with identified pathologies, and with age. The importance of manual dexterity brings additional interest to the problem of the development of asymmetric behavior, either in preference and proficiency. This paper will describe the development of hand preference and proficiency related to age and gender, as well as some aspects of pathological conditions. Evidence from several studies show that manual asymmetry is a characteristic that, although it is set during the first years of life, continues to develop with age. Gender, neurological status, and social characteristics are factors that seem to play a role in the development of hand preference and in the subsequent manual asymmetry. Hand preference and lateral dexterity stems from biological, social, and cultural factors, in a geographical context and in a particular time.

Keywords : manual preference and proficiency; age; gender; pathological conditions.

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