Comparing laterality and handedness between successful male and female athletes and ordinary population

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Through comparing handedness and laterality between successful athletes and ordinary people, this study endeavored to investigate the probable relationship between these two factors and skills and abilities which distinguish successful athletes from other members of the society. Procedure: The sample population in the current study included Iranian men and women who were assigned into two groups of ordinary population (group 1) and successful male and female athletes (group 2). Carter’s Laterality Inventory and The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory were employed to measure laterality and handedness, respectively. It needs to be noted that validity and reliability of Persian translation of both inventories have been proved. Following the completion of the inventories, individuals’ laterality and handedness were determined, and the data were prepared for statistical analysis. Findings: The participants included 212 individuals, out of which 135 (63.7%) were male and 77 (36.3%) were female. The individuals were compared in two groups. The first group consisted of successful athletes. Out of the 130 individuals, 45 (34/6%) were female and 85 (65/4%) were male. The second group were ordinary people from private schools in Tehran which entailed 32 (39%) women and 50 (61%) men.