Left-Handedness in Fencers: An Attentional Advantage?

Abstract

The present research investigated the relationship between handedness and performance on an attentional task for 24 skilled subjects. It is well known that in some sports the percentage of left-handed people is higher than in the normal population, e.g., tennis and fencing. It is also true that the most highly skilled in these sports are usually left-handed. Is this due to some disorientation of right-handed people when they face a left-handed opponent or are there some differences in competence? To test the last hypothesis an attentional task was constructed. In this task the subjects had to orient or to divide their attention between the two hemifields. An advantage for the left hand in the left-handed fencers was found only for the unattended situation. The results are discussed in the light of some anatomical evidence for right-hemispheric control of attention.