| dc.description.abstract | The study of pedal asymmetries examines the differences in reaction time and
movement time between the foot/hemisphere systems in humans. Although
asymmetries have been examined using pointing movements research has yet to
be completed that examines pedal asymmetries in a functional movement such
as the track and field sprint start. Using the track & field sprint start, 20
individuals (10 experienced, 10 inexperienced) were assessed for pedal
asymmetries. Each participant performed 48 starts (24 right foot starts and 24 left
foot starts). Variable foreperiods (1500, 2000, 2500 & 3000ms) were used to
control for anticipations. A left foot (i.e., left foot in rear position) reaction time
advantage was found. Right foot (i.e., right foot in rear position) advantages
were found for movement time and response time. Foreperiod length did not
affect reaction time. There were no significant differences between the
experienced and inexperienced sprinters. The experience factor did not interact
with any other factors. Preferred stance was evaluated as a control variable and
did not affect the pattern of asymmetry. The pattern of pedal asymmetries in the
sprint start response was consistent with that of manual asymmetries. Further,
the results were consistent with a right hemisphere specialization for spatiotemporal
processing, and a left hemisphere specialization for movement
execution and on-line correction. The pattern of asymmetries extends to tasks
using an auditory signal as an auditory tone was used to mimic the “starting gun”. | |
