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Serrien DJ, Spapé MM. Space, time and number: common coding mechanisms and interactions between domains. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2021; 86:364-374. [PMID: 33755798 PMCID: PMC8885535 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-021-01503-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Space, time and number are key dimensions that underlie how we perceive, identify and act within the environment. They are interconnected in our behaviour and brain. In this study, we examined interdependencies between these dimensions. To this end, left- and right-handed participants performed an object collision task that required space–time processing and arithmetic tests that involved number processing. Handedness of the participants influenced collision detection with left-handers being more accurate than right-handers, which is in line with the premise that hand preference guides individual differences as a result of sensorimotor experiences and distinct interhemispheric integration patterns. The data further showed that successful collision detection was a predictor for arithmetic achievement, at least in right-handers. These findings suggest that handedness plays a mediating role in binding information processing across domains, likely due to selective connectivity properties within the sensorimotor system that is guided by hemispheric lateralisation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michiel M Spapé
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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The genetic architecture of structural left-right asymmetry of the human brain. Nat Hum Behav 2021; 5:1226-1239. [PMID: 33723403 PMCID: PMC8455338 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01069-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Left-right hemispheric asymmetry is an important aspect of healthy brain organization for many functions including language, and it can be altered in cognitive and psychiatric disorders. No mechanism has yet been identified for establishing the human brain's left-right axis. We performed multivariate genome-wide association scanning of cortical regional surface area and thickness asymmetries, and subcortical volume asymmetries, using data from 32,256 participants from the UK Biobank. There were 21 significant loci associated with different aspects of brain asymmetry, with functional enrichment involving microtubule-related genes and embryonic brain expression. These findings are consistent with a known role of the cytoskeleton in left-right axis determination in other organs of invertebrates and frogs. Genetic variants associated with brain asymmetry overlapped with those associated with autism, educational attainment and schizophrenia. Comparably large datasets will likely be required in future studies, to replicate and further clarify the associations of microtubule-related genes with variation in brain asymmetry, behavioural and psychiatric traits.
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Artemenko C, Sitnikova MA, Soltanlou M, Dresler T, Nuerk HC. Functional lateralization of arithmetic processing in the intraparietal sulcus is associated with handedness. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1775. [PMID: 32020021 PMCID: PMC7000739 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional lateralization is established for various cognitive functions, but was hardly ever investigated for arithmetic processing. Most neurocognitive models assume a central role of the bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) in arithmetic processing and there is some evidence for more pronounced left-hemispheric activation for symbolic arithmetic. However, evidence was mainly obtained by studies in right-handers. Therefore, we conducted a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study, in which IPS activation of left-handed adults was compared to right-handed adults in a symbolic approximate calculation task. The results showed that left-handers had a stronger functional right-lateralization in the IPS than right-handers. This finding has important consequences, as the bilateral IPS activation pattern for arithmetic processing seems to be shaped by functional lateralization and thus differs between left- and right-handers. We propose three possible accounts for the observed functional lateralization of arithmetic processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Artemenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Maria A Sitnikova
- Department of Psychology, Pedagogical Institute, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
- Research and Project Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Neurotechnologies, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Mojtaba Soltanlou
- Department of Psychology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Dresler
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Nuerk
- Department of Psychology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Research and Project Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Neurotechnologies, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
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Sala G, Signorelli M, Barsuola G, Bolognese M, Gobet F. The Relationship between Handedness and Mathematics Is Non-linear and Is Moderated by Gender, Age, and Type of Task. Front Psychol 2017. [PMID: 28649210 PMCID: PMC5465301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between handedness and mathematical ability is still highly controversial. While some researchers have claimed that left-handers are gifted in mathematics and strong right-handers perform the worst in mathematical tasks, others have more recently proposed that mixed-handers are the most disadvantaged group. However, the studies in the field differ with regard to the ages and the gender of the participants, and the type of mathematical ability assessed. To disentangle these discrepancies, we conducted five studies in several Italian schools (total participants: N = 2,314), involving students of different ages (six to seventeen) and a range of mathematical tasks (e.g., arithmetic and reasoning). The results show that (a) linear and quadratic functions are insufficient for capturing the link between handedness and mathematical ability; (b) the percentage of variance in mathematics scores explained by handedness was larger than in previous studies (between 3 and 10% vs. 1%), and (c) the effect of handedness on mathematical ability depended on age, type of mathematical tasks, and gender. In accordance with previous research, handedness does represent a correlate of achievement in mathematics, but the shape of this relationship is more complicated than has been argued so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sala
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michela Signorelli
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | | | - Martina Bolognese
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Fernand Gobet
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom
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Porac C. Left-Handers and the Right Mind. Laterality 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801239-0.00004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Life on the Left. Laterality 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801239-0.00010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cochet H, Centelles L, Jover M, Plachta S, Vauclair J. Hand preferences in preschool children: Reaching, pointing and symbolic gestures. Laterality 2015; 20:501-16. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2015.1007057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Gonzalez CLR, Mills KJ, Genee I, Li F, Piquette N, Rosen N, Gibb R. Getting the right grasp on executive function. Front Psychol 2014; 5:285. [PMID: 24778624 PMCID: PMC3985017 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive Function (EF) refers to important socio-emotional and cognitive skills that are known to be highly correlated with both academic and life success. EF is a blanket term that is considered to include self-regulation, working memory, and planning. Recent studies have shown a relationship between EF and motor control. The emergence of motor control coincides with that of EF, hence understanding the relationship between these two domains could have significant implications for early detection and remediation of later EF deficits. The purpose of the current study was to investigate this relationship in young children. This study incorporated the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and two motor assessments with a focus on precision grasping to test this hypothesis. The BRIEF is comprised of two indices of EF: (1) the Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) containing three subscales: Inhibit, Shift, and Emotional Control; (2) the Metacognition Index (MI) containing five subscales: Initiate, Working Memory, Plan/Organize, Organization of Materials, and Monitor. A global executive composite (GEC) is derived from the two indices. In this study, right-handed children aged 5-6 and 9-10 were asked to: grasp-to-construct (Lego® models); and grasp-to-place (wooden blocks), while their parents completed the BRIEF questionnaire. Analysis of results indicated significant correlations between the strength of right hand preference for grasping and numerous elements of the BRIEF including the BRI, MI, and GEC. Specifically, the more the right hand was used for grasping the better the EF ratings. In addition, patterns of space-use correlated with the GEC in several subscales of the BRIEF. Finally and remarkably, the results also showed a reciprocal relationship between hand and space use for grasping and EF. These findings are discussed with respect to: (1) the developmental overlap of motor and executive functions; (2) detection of EF deficits through tasks that measure lateralization of hand and space use; and (3) the possibility of using motor interventions to remediate EF deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia L. R. Gonzalez
- Department of Kinesiology, The Brain in Action Laboratory, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kelly J. Mills
- Department of Kinesiology, The Brain in Action Laboratory, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Inge Genee
- Department of Modern Languages, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Psychology, Univeristy of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Noella Piquette
- Department of Education, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Rosen
- Department of Modern Languages, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Robbin Gibb
- Department of Neuroscience, University of LethbridgeLethbridge, AB, Canada
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Björk T, Brus O, Osika W, Montgomery S. Laterality, hand control and scholastic performance: a British birth cohort study. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e000314. [PMID: 22446987 PMCID: PMC3312076 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use simple measures of laterality and hand control that can identify a greater risk of poorer scholastic ability, potentially signalling suboptimal hemispheric lateralisation. DESIGN Analysis of material from a birth cohort study. SETTING Members of the National Child Development Study, a British birth cohort study following people born in 1958. PARTICIPANTS 10 612 children who undertook tests at age 11 years. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Teacher-administered tests of non-verbal general ability, verbal general ability, reading comprehension and mathematics. RESULTS Linear regression produced associations (and 95% CIs) with tests of verbal general ability, non-verbal general ability, reading comprehension and mathematics scores for the lowest third (compared with highest) of a left-hand control test involving picking up matches of -1.21 (-1.73 to -0.68; p<0.001), -0.72 (-1.14 to -0.29; p=0.001), -0.70 (-1.06 to -0.35; p<0.001) and -1.32 (-1.90 to -0.73; p<0.001). Among those in the lowest third of the right-hand control test score, mixed-handedness compared with right-handedness was associated with poorer scholastic performance, with regression coefficients (and 95% CIs; p values) of 1.90 (-3.01 to -0.80; p=0.001), -1.25 (-2.15 to -0.35; p=0.007), -1.28 (2.04 to -0.53; p=0.001) and -1.33 (-2.53 to -0.13; p=0.030). The estimates are for a point change in the scholastic test scores, after adjustment for sex, left-hand motor function and social class. Statistically significant associations with mixed-handedness were only observed for the lowest third of right-hand motor function. CONCLUSIONS Measures involving poorer left-hand motor function may represent useful markers of reduced cognitive function possibly reflecting suboptimal hemispheric lateralisation. Crude measures of laterality such as reported non-right-handedness may be more useful for research when combined with measures of motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabita Björk
- Psychiatric Research Centre, Örebro County Council, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ole Brus
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Walter Osika
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott Montgomery
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
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