Hand asymmetries in synchronization vary by task: left-hand variability is greater in sequential unimanual tasks but slightly reversed in the 50 bpm bimanual task¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · causal r2 · q3 · i1 small
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q3 i1 A significant Task Type × Hand interaction indicates hand asymmetries differed across task structures, with the left-hand disadvantage reversing at 50 bpm. → Yunhee Kim 2026

Evidence¶

Yunhee Kim 2026¶

Yunhee Kim, Doyeon Chae, Jaehwan Jang, Kyeong Taek Oh, Byeong-Sun Park & Min-gu Kim. (2026). Does tapping in sync reflect cognitive control? Links between sensorimotor synchronization, social context, and executive function in early childhood. npj Science of Learning. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-026-00443-5

q3 · i1 · causal · r2

Interaction test in the extended LMM of 140 children's log-transformed DTW scores; the printed effect size was ηp2 = .037. At 150 bpm and in music the left hand was less stable, but "this asymmetry was slightly reversed in the 50 bpm bimanual condition".

"A significant Task Type × Hand interaction was also found, F (2, 1656) = 31.70, p < .001, ηp2 = .037, suggesting that hand-related asymmetries differed across task sturctures."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Rhythmic context dominates synchronization variability: music tapping is far less synchronized than metronome tapping, while the 50 bpm bimanual task does not differ from 150 bpm — related
• Across all three task types, joint tapping yields modestly but reliably lower synchronization variability than solo tapping in 4–5-year-olds — related
• A co-tapping partner reduces synchronization variability significantly more at 150 bpm metronome (near children's SMT) than in music or slow bimanual tasks — related
• Slow 50 bpm bimanual tapping in the solo condition is selectively associated with inhibitory control, working memory, and overall EF, though associations do not survive FDR correction — related
• Cognitive flexibility shows no significant association with sensorimotor synchronization in any task condition — related