Performance Asymmetries in Computer Mouse Control of Right-Handers, and Left-Handers With Left- and Right-Handed Mouse Experience

Abstract

Precision and general computer mouse aiming performance by right-handers (RH-RM) and left-handers with right-handed mouse experience (LH-RM) and by left-handers with left-handed mouse experience (LH-LM) were compared. A number of performance measures, such as reaction time, time to reach a target, time to click on target, and cursor trajectory, were analyzed. Superficially, specific hand experience seemed to dictate performance asymmetries, but a closer look revealed interactions between hand preference and hand performance. That finding has implications for theories of handedness. In addition, precision and general directional aiming with the mouse cursor showed a clear right hand superiority in reaction time in both RH-RM and LH-RM subjects, whereas LH-LM subjects showed no lateral asymmetries. Finally, the overall time taken for the task, averaged across groups and conditions, favored the experienced hand by some 180 ms. In practical terms, that is not a large difference, especially because the difference will be reduced with practice. Thus, the use of the inexperienced hand can be advocated when there is a need to forestall or ameliorate repetitive stress in the experienced hand.