The effects of unilateral hand contractions on conscious control in early motor learning

Hemisphere asymmetry can be influenced by hand contractions. Brain imaging studies have indicated that pre-performance left-hand contractions may reduce verbal-analytical engagement in motor planning, whereas right-hand increase planning. This study examined whether a contraction protocol reduced during practice of golf putting task, thereby causing implicit learning. Forty-eight golf-novices were randomly allocated to contractions, or no hand-contractions (control) groups. A line bisection task was conducted as manipulation check hemisphere occurred. All participants practiced with their allotted performed for 30 sec before every ten putts. Thereafter, completed two retention tests (blocks single-task putting) and after one transfer test (a block dual-task putting). Different objective subjective measures collected. Golf accuracy kinematicswere assessed. Additionally, mood-state function measured. The did not reveal effect the different protocols. groups equally improved practice; however, hand-contraction group showed better performance both compared worse test. revealed General decreased all from pre-to post-practice. Unilateral prior practicing golf-putting affect differently fromthe group. However, resulted tests, disrupted No differences evident. Consequently, promote Possible explanations recommendations future are discussed.