Humanics Ergonomics

Men vs women: Directionality

Do men and women rotate their feet in the same direction?

Abstract: An endogenous asymmetry in striatal dopaminergic function has been identified in rats, and related to spontaneous and drug-induced circling (rotation, turning). We have developed an electronic device for measuring in humans the same kinds of rotational movements observed in rats.

Our data indicate that, without being aware of the type of information being obtained, normal men and women rotate preferentially to the left or to the right during a routine day. Women had higher average rates of rotation than men. Males that were consistently right-sided (left-hemisphere dominant) for hand, foot and eye dominance rotated more to the right than to the left, whereas left-hemisphere dominant females rotated more to the left than to the right.

Subjects tested on two occasions, 6 weeks apart, exhibited consistent (significantly correlated) rotational preferences--this was much more evident in left-hemisphere dominant than in mixed dominance individuals.

Bracha, H. S.; Seitz, D. J.; Otemaa, J.; Glick, S. D. (1987)
Rotational movement (circling) in normal humans: sex
difference & relationship to hand, foot & eye preference.
Brain Research. 411, 2, 231-235.

More ergonomics humor and odd stories

Anthropometrics for adults, children & disabled

Certificant, Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics

Reach us

Privacy & Copyright