Dynamics of hemispheric specialization and integration in the context of motor control

• Published in: Nature reviews. Neuroscience Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 160 - 166
• Main Authors: Serrien, Deborah J, Ivry, Richard B, Swinnen, Stephan P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group 01.02.2006
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Brain Mapping; Dominance, Cerebral - physiology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects. Models. Methods; Humans; Learning - physiology; Motor control and motor pathways. Reflexes. Control centers of vegetative functions. Vestibular system and equilibration; Motor Cortex - physiology; Movement - physiology; Neurosciences; Nonlinear Dynamics; Psychomotor Performance - physiology; Specialization; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Bimanual task; Hemispheric specialization; Left hemisphere; Motor skill; Right hemisphere; Review; Motor control; Hand
• ISSN: 1471-003X; 1471-0048; 1469-3178
• DOI: 10.1038/nrn1849

Behavioural and neurophysiological evidence convincingly establish that the left hemisphere is dominant for motor skills that are carried out with either hand or those that require bimanual coordination. As well as this prioritization, we argue that specialized functions of the right hemisphere are also indispensable for the realization of goal-directed behaviour. As such, lateralization of motor function is a dynamic and multifaceted process that emerges across different timescales and is contingent on task- and performer-related determinants.