The Relationship between Hand Preference, Bimanual Coordination and Crossing of the Midline

Abstract

Poor fine motor coordination including unestablished hand preference, poor bimanual coordination and avoidance of crossing the body midline in children are common reasons for referral to occupational therapy. Clinical observations suggest a possible correlation between these variables in children with learning disabilities (Ayres, 1973). Several occupational therapy intervention sources for children suggest that unestablished hand preference may be treated by employing exercises in bimanual coordination and crossing of the midline. However, there is little empirical evidence that a significant correlation exists between hand preference, bimanual coordination and crossing of the body midline. Specific investigation of the relationship between the three variables should provide a stronger basis for treatment of children presenting with problems in bilateral integration, crossing of the midline and poorly established hand preference. The nature of this relationship may shape the foundations for a specific treatment approach which can be used to treat problems in this area.

Keywords:

• hand preference
• bimanual coordination
• crossing of the midline
• paediatric occupational therapy