Proprioceptive Accuracy in Two Dimensions

Abstract

Slow arm movements were made over a smooth horizontal table at shoulder height. With visual cues excluded, target position was indicated by the index finger of the nonmoving arm touching the underside of the table. 11 students (mean age 21.9 yr.) and 24 children (mean age 10.3 yr.) were compared. Both groups showed an 'overlap effect': movements with the right hand went too far to the left, while movements with the left hand went too far to the right. The children as a group were significantly less accurate than the students and showed a significant asymmetry in that movements with the dominant hand were more accurate than those with the nondominant hand.