Search

AbstractPerformance of sport-related ballistic motor skills, like ball hitting in golf and baseball, requires wide movements to produce highly fast and spatially accurate movements. In this study, we assessed the effect of movement amplitude on directional accuracy in a ballistic hitting task. Participants performed the task of moving a manual handle over a flat surface to hit with high speed a moveable disc, aiming to propel it towards a frontal target. Five movement amplitudes were compared, ranging from 11.5 cm to 27.5 cm in steps of 4 cm. Kinematic analysis evaluated motions of the handle, disc, and arm joints. Results showed that greater movement amplitudes led to longer acceleration phases, with delayed peak velocities at the handle, shoulder and elbow, leading to higher contact and peak linear velocities of the handle, and higher angular velocities at the shoulder and elbow. Manipulation of movement amplitude led to no evidence for effects on either disc directional accuracy or variability. Results also revealed no evidence for differences in variability of contact velocity, peak velocity and time of peak velocity across movement amplitudes in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Our results indicated that greater movement amplitudes in hitting a spatial target lead to increased contact velocity while not affecting directional accuracy or movement variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although monodominance has attracted the attention of ecologists for many decades, few studies have devoted attention to how abiotic factors could influence the occurrence of monodominant forest patches at the biome scale. Here, we assessed whether the occurrence of monodominant forest patches of Moquiniastrum polymorphum (Less.) G. Sancho (Asteraceae), an early‐successional tree species with wind‐dispersed seeds, could be predicted using optimum germination temperature and past deforestation. We also verified under what edaphic and climatic conditions the species could reach monodominance. Location: The Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Methods: We estimated optimum germination temperature across the species' geographic range as a function of annual mean temperature based on the results of germination tests available in the literature. Past deforestation (a proxy for suitable habitat for the species' dispersal and establishment) around monodominant forest patches was estimated by calculating the forest cover in 1985. We also modeled the upper limit of dominance (relative abundance) as a function of climatic and edaphic variables considered important for the species' establishment. Results: The results showed that the probability of occurrence of monodominant forest patches is statistically null in places where germination can take more than 10 days and the landscape had more than 20% forest cover. Relative density values for the monodominant condition (> 60%) occurred only in warmer regions with infertile soils and median precipitation conditions (ca. 1,075–1,700 mm per year) in the Atlantic Forest. Conclusion: We conclude that only under optimal conditions of germination and dispersal (i.e., regeneration niche) does monodominance occur. This highlights germination traits as an important mechanism for regulating monodominance. In addition, the approach used to predict regions with optimum germination temperature has further implications for understanding species abundance and distribution more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handedness ontogenesis is still under debate in science. This systematic review analyzed articles regarding the theories and basis of handedness formation, highlighting the historical knowledge path that this literature underwent. Cochrane Library, LILACS, Web of Sciences, Science Direct and PubMed databases were searched. This review included review studies with handedness as the main topic. Only papers written in English with analyses exclusively in neurotypical humans (any age range) were included. Different approaches (genetic, neural, social, and behavioural) were reviewed in light of growing evidence, summarizing the current state of the art. Genetic and environmental/social impacts are common points in most of the reviews, each given more or less importance, depending on the author and theory proposed. Multifactorial, developmental approaches to handedness formation seem to be the most up to date view of the phenomenon. Different control mechanisms between hemisphere and neural asymmetries are also contributing factors to handedness formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of Rossby wave propagation in strong jet stream waveguides is essential, as extreme weather events are associated with persistent atmospheric patterns at the surface which may be favored by quasi stationary Rossby waves in the upper troposphere through these pathways. But so far, all the studies are mostly for winter and summer seasons. Therefore, in the present study, we extended earlier works to the transition seasons. The waveguide patterns in both hemispheres during the spring and autumn transition seasons are explored using numerical simulations from a baroclinic model with six selected forcings in the 1979–2016 period. The results show that stronger subtropical jet streams are found in boreal and austral spring associated with stronger wave propagation. Particularly, stronger eddy kinetic energy and wave activity flux are found in boreal spring from the north of Middle East to eastern North Pacific, associated with stronger subtropical Asian jet, and in austral autumn in western Pacific region, associated with greater extension of polar jet. Interhemispheric propagation is verified in spring season in both hemispheres, through the equatorial eastern Pacific and Atlantic ducts, with a northwest-southeast orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that the muscles of the anus perform a critical role in maintaining continence, losses in their structure can negatively affect the physiological control of the intestinal contents. Anorectal electro-stimulation (ARES) has been reported to have a positive effect on the functionality of treated patients, but how ARES affects the structural tissues of the anorectal segment remains unknown. Because the study of how ARES structurally affects human tissues is not possible, this study aimed to clarify these effects in a murine model, which has a similar anorectal segment (structure and physiology) to humans. For the descriptive and comparative study, randomly selected nulliparous adult Wistar rats ( n = 5) were submitted to 30 anorectal sessions of ARES with a biphasic current (700 μs, 50 Hz from 2 to 4 mA). After treatment, the animals were euthanized, and the anorectal segments were dissected and processed for histopathological analysis. Our results showed that ARES increased the widths of the mucosal, submucosal and muscle layers of the rectum, as well as the number of leukocytes in the mucosa. ARES also caused hyperplasia of the smooth muscle of the internal anal sphincter and hypertrophy of the external anal sphincter muscle. In conclusion, our results showed that ARES had not only a positive effect on the structure (morphology) of all tissues associated with the rectum and anus but, more importantly, on the structural gain of the muscles (hyperplasia and hypertrophy), which could point to a functional gain of the anal sphincter, reinforcing the applicability of ARES as a non-invasive treatment for anal incontinence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the deduction of Ampère's law as made by Ampère himself, and following the same sequence of steps. We indicate the principles on which the law is founded. The expression of the law is the result of an interaction between experiment, and Ampère's skills to account for facts in the language of mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain, non-inflammatory origin, associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety and depression. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on electrodermal activity, quality of life and reduction of pain in fibromyalgia subjects. This research relates to a series of cases with patients of the feminine gender and aged between 35-58 years. We evaluated three clinical outcomes: pain intensity, using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); quality of life through the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ); and electrodermal activity, verified by Ryodoraku. As a result it was observed percentage reduction in pain between 34% and 63% in VAS, improvement in 7 of the 10 items QIF, and increased electrodermal activity Ryodoraku average of 34.95 ± 11.12 to 46 ± 11.66. It is concluded that acupuncture promoted improvement of symptoms in all study participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of science and technology allows men to explore nature and world in several dimensions. In sports dimension, this is not different. Methods of training each time more specialized allow the sport performance improvement. Statistical analysis provides the prediction of action from adversary on game to better response selection. Computer equipments of video record correct in real time and evaluate with great details the intervenient factors over performance. Virtual reality instruments provide the practice in environments that provide the previous development of promptitude for several sports situations. On this scope, science and technology have become basic requirements to the development of a high performance player. The present work presented practical examples of how science and technology has been used to improve sport performance. Statistical analysis for the performance prediction, biomechanical analysis of the performance from sports' motor abilities, use of biofeedback to movement corrections, and the use of virtual reality, were presented as potential features for coaches and athletes. Future perspective for sports performance development, through science and sport, was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brazilian castor bean (Ricinus communis L) crops have expanded towards semiarid lands, in which soil salinity is an important factor limiting plant development. In order to evaluate the effects of salt stress on leaf gas exchange, pigments, and dry matter accumulation of seedlings, seeds of castor bean var. BRS Nordestina were planted in 15-L pots filled with 13kg of soil (control) or with soil plus 2g NaClkg−1 soil corresponding to 30mM NaCl (salt treatment). Seedlings were grown under greenhouse conditions and the effects of salinity were assessed by measuring physiological parameters at 38 and 59days after germination. Salt treatment induced decreases in leaf water potential at pre-dawn (ψ pd, 42%), stomatal conductance to water vapor (g s, 36%), and net carbon assimilation rate (A, 24%) only at 38days after germination. At the same time, the values for transpiration rate were unchanged and the hydraulic conductance was increased (34%). After 59days under hypersalinity, leaf ψ pd increased to −0.44MPa, although g s, A, transpiration rate, and hydraulic conductance were not different between treatments. Salt stress effects on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a + b contents were evident only on experimental day 59. The dry matter accumulation of leaves, roots and stems, as well as the total dry matter, and the root to above ground ratio increased with plant growth in both treatments, however, these parameters were lowered in salt-stressed seedlings. In short, all physiological variables were more drastically affected after 38days under high salinity, and despite acclimatization of A after 59days exposure to salt, no recovery of the dry matter accumulation was observed in the seedlings, suggesting that this species does not tolerate salt stress at its initial growth stages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Perceptual training enhances the ability to anticipate crucial information for decision‐making, for example, a soccer goalkeeper predicting penalty kick direction. However, it remains unclear whether perceptual practice alone (implicit method) is sufficient for optimal decision‐making improvement, or whether emphasising pertinent details during practice (explicit method) could yield better results. This study compared implicit and explicit methods of learning ball direction prediction during soccer penalties, involving both goalkeepers and non‐soccer players (novices). Participants engaged in a single training session, either through the explicit method (watching videos highlighting relevant information) or implicit method (watching regular videos). Specialised software was used to display penalty kick videos, mimicking the goalkeeper's viewpoint up to 200 ms before ball contact, and measuring reaction time and response choice. Both implicit and explicit training led to consistent performance gains for goalkeepers and novices alike, notably enhancing ball direction prediction accuracy. Reaction time was unaffected by training. This suggests that both explicit and implicit training methods exhibit similar effectiveness, applicable to soccer goalkeepers and novices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The human capacity to change handedness direction and degree is limited. • Behavioral and neural analysis suggested a ceiling effect for handedness plasticity. • Neural asymmetries correlate with changes in behavioral measures. • Lateralized practice plays a significant role in handedness shifts. • Rightward shifts happen only in a targeted behavior, usually writing. Handedness is a dynamic and complex aspect of human behavior. Changing it through practice, either willingly or obliged by some reason, requires a considerable amount of effort. Analyzing studies that presented handedness shifts may expand our comprehension of this phenomenon, since knowing how to change it might provide insights into how it develops. Therefore, we reviewed the outcomes of handedness shifts. The results suggest that neural asymmetries related to handedness are likely a consequence of lateralized practice since they correlate with modifications in the behavioral patterns. Clearly, practice is not the only factor influencing handedness development, but it seems to play a significant role in the formation and consolidation of neural and behavioral asymmetries. Another key finding of our review is the suggestion of a ceiling effect for the capacity to change handedness direction and degree, considering none of the reviewed studies reported complete shifts in behavioral measures and brain activation patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcultural approaches comparing the distribution of lateral preference between countries focused primarily on handedness. However, other laterality dimensions may also be susceptible to cultural variations. The present study compared lateral preference in five dimensions (hand, foot, trunk, hearing, and visual) of young adults from Brazil and Mozambique. Two hundred and two undergraduate students participated in the study, of which 101 were Brazilian (21.7 ± 1.66 years old) and 101 Mozambican (25.6 ± 6.2 years old). The participants' lateral preference direction and degree were assessed using the global lateral preference inventory. Most Brazilians were classified in the moderate preference category, while Mozambicans had a higher frequency of individuals with strong preferences. Hence, Mozambicans presented a higher lateralization degree for all dimensions. A subsequent analysis considering only preference direction (right, left or indifferent), and not degree, did not show the same outcomes, revealing similarities in preference distribution between the two groups. This finding highlights the necessity to incorporate preference degrees in future analysis to not overlook potential differences. We also conclude lateral preference investigations with transcultural approaches should analyse beyond handedness, as other dimensions can also be modulated by cultural characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In elite-level soccer, the ability to take shots with both limbs from different positions in the pitch may be key to success. This research aimed to: 1) analyze footedness of elite-football players in European leagues during shooting by computing frequency of right- and left-foot use and accuracy; and 2) investigate whether an athlete's distance from the target (goal, penalty, and outside penalty area) and pitch zone (center, left, or right from the goal) can constrain foot selection during shooting. We analyzed 1826 games from the 2017/18 season, divided between: Spanish LaLiga (380 matches); Italian Serie A (380 matches); English Premier League (380 matches); German Bundesliga (306 matches); and French Ligue 1 (380 matches). Results revealed asymmetrical proportions of foot selection, favoring the preferred foot for right- and left-footed athletes. Frequency of preferred foot selection increased as a function of distance from the target (i.e., the farther the athlete, higher the percentage of preferred foot selection). Shots taken from the left side were more often performed with the right foot and vice-versa, for both left- and right-footed athletes. Interestingly, asymmetries were observed only in foot selection, but not in performance, as success rate did not vary between limbs in any position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Natural motor practice enhances geometric drawing motor control and learning. • tDCS had no effect on motor control and learning on geometric drawing tasks. • tDCS on M1 or CC led to similar motor learning in varied cognitive demands tasks. • tDCS on M1 or CC led to similar motor control in varied cognitive demands tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the dynamic dominance model, the left cerebral hemisphere is specialized for the control of intersegmental dynamics and the right hemisphere for impedance control. Our aim was to test predictions from the dynamic dominance model in children by comparing performance between the right (preferred) and left hands in aiming. Three groups were compared: 4–7, 8–11, and 18–38 years old. Results showed higher movement linearity in the performance with the right hand in all age groups (P <.01), while initial directional error and endpoint accuracy were equivalent between hands. These results provided partial support for the dynamic dominance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial capacity of biofilms, made with protein obtained from filleting residues of dourada (Brachyplatysoma rousseauxii) added of clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata), and to analyze the technological properties. Two biofilms were elaborated, one with 2% myofibrillar proteins extracted from filleting shavings and the other one with 2% dourada skin gelatin, by the casting method. The clove essential oil concentrations were 0, 1, 1.5 and 2% in relation to the volume of the solution. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and mechanical analyses as barrier, thickness, color and morphological and structure characteristics by the scanning electron microscopy were performed. The biofilms added of clove essential oil presented excellent values of water vapor permeability and high values of elongation, contributing for the better application in foods, as well as they presented yellow color with low intensity. The biofilms with myofribillar proteins presented inhibitory effect in the concentrations used against the Gram positive bacteria, Staphylococus aureus and Enterococus fecalis. The gelatin biofilms added of clove essential oil did not inhibit the growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral preference is influenced by many different factors. Although studies that assessed handedness contributed greatly to our understanding of the phenomenon, looking to other dimensions of motor laterality, such as lower limbs, trunk, visual and hearing preference, may be an interesting strategy to further advance in the field. Comparing different age groups with a complete inventory also contributes to understanding the ageing impact on these variables. Our aim, therefore, was to assess six motor laterality dimensions in younger adults and older people. Two hundred subjects participated in this study (102 adults, 30.6 ± 11.2 years old, and 98 elders, 70.4 ± 7.22 years old) and lateral preference was assessed by the Global Lateral Preference Inventory. We verified significant differences between groups in all dimensions, except the visual one, with proportionally stronger right preference in the older group. Compared to other dimensions, higher frequency of ambidexterity was observed in trunk, hearing and visual preference for both groups. These results might indicate that lateral preference is, indeed, multifactorial, being affected by ageing, task complexity and other possible related aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the developmental process of five lateral preference dimensions (hand, foot, trunk, hearing, and visual preference). A total of 1236 volunteers participated in this study, divided into five age groups: 07–12 (n = 247); 13–17 (n = 234); 18–30 (n = 227); 31–60 (n = 225); and 61–90 years old (n = 303). Lateral preference was assessed via questionnaire with the Global Lateral Preference Inventory. By assessing the degree and direction of lateral preference in different ages, our results revealed a pattern of lateralization strengthening with aging in all the analyzed dimensions. We also verified significant correlation between hand preference and the other dimensions for all age groups, but correlation was stronger in the 7–12 group for all correlation pairs. Our results lead to the suggestion of an underlying general lateralization process in early ages (7–12 years old) followed by specific developmental trajectories of each preference dimension (13 years forward), likely startled by hemisphere and functional specialization related to innate developmental patterns of neural structures and social/environmental influences. • Preference strengthening with aging occurred in all analyzed dimensions. • Handedness is correlated with foot, trunk, hearing and visual preference in all ages. • Correlation values are stronger in the younger group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping properly executed can result in many benefits to the agroecosystem and the farmer. The aim was to evaluate phytotechnical aspects of radish and lettuce intercropped in West Goiás. Four intercropping systems (with 8 lettuce plants and 20, 40, 60 and 80 radish plants, respectively, C I, C II, C III and C IV) were compared to the lettuce monoculture (16 plants) and radish (80 plants) by square meter. The design was a randomized block design with four replications. The diameter, length and average mass of radish roots; the average stem diameter, number of leaves and average mass of the aerial part of lettuce plants and the productivity of both cultures were evaluated. We calculated the land equivalent ratio (IEA). The consortium did not affect the size and average weight of radish roots, however, the C I productivity (0.46 kg.m-2) was lower than C III (1.97 kg·m-2), C IV (2.25 kg·m-2) and monoculture (2.05 kg·m-2). To lettuce crop, there was statistical difference only in productivity, which was higher in the system in monoculture (2.84 kg·m-2). Only the consortium II (0.82) had less IEA than the monoculture (1.0). The consortiums have a potential use by horticulturists in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled cross-sectional analytical study unpaired that featured 14 male participants, selected by aged between 20 and 25 years, practitioners of resistance exercise, divided into two unpaired groups: one group without intervention by acupuncture (GC) and the other group with intervention acupuncture (GE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on muscular endurance of upper limbs and the handgrip strength in practitioners of resistance exercise. With respect to muscular endurance, the results indicate an increase in the number of repetitions for the two groups, but not statistically significant and to grip strength, increase and decrease in GE and GC respectively, also not statistically significant. It is concluded that acupuncture in this study did not prove to be effective to increase the yield of the subjects in the muscular endurance test and grip strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain is the most frequent involvement of the spine, with a major complaint and one of the most common causes of disability and morbidity. Several types of treatment are used to combat back pain, but many patients do not present results with conventional medicine. Among the non-conventional treatments, acupuncture is one of the main alternatives for the relief and cure of this disease. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain, comparing it with other treatments. To do so, was performed a literature review of 21 studies, randomized, literature reviews and metanalysis published between the years 1999 and 2011, with the theme of this study. Acupuncture was effective in treating chronic low back pain and its results were superior to other treatments. We suggest that further studies should be done to prove the effects of acupuncture on acute low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School environment is ideal for the development and production of healthy habits. The class of physical education (EFE) is a propitious time for exposing dietary patterns and appropriate physical, but is not currently taking advantage of this course satisfactorily, with fewer systematization of teaching projects and fewer activities during class. Obesity in young people is already considered an epidemic that, if not treated, increase the chances of developing various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe methods that can contribute to obesity prevention in schools through the EFE. For this, was performed a literature review of articles and books, with publications from 1979, and 2001 to 2012. In the prevention of this disease, family-based tests of long duration, combined with training (aerobic and resistance) to dietary interventions and exercise showed positive results [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of immobilization in shortening of the gastrocnemius muscle of rats, analyzing variables such as weight and muscle length, fiber diameter and morphological changes. We used 15 male Wistar rats, divided into three groups: control (CG), intact in cages for 7 days; Immobilized (IG) with the left leg shortened by three weeks and Immobilized and loose (IGL), immobilized for 3 weeks and after this period, free in Their cages for 3 weeks without intervention. The immobilization promoted weight loss in all groups. There was the Significant change in relation to length, except between CG and GIS (P = 0.01). In the statistical analysis of the diameter difference between groups (p> 0,05). Morphological changes after immobilization causes reduced weight and length. Muscle diameter variable in statistically significant differences were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water deficit events induce fast dehydration and suppression of net photosynthesis. • Photosynthesis in stressed oil palm is limited by stomatal and non-stomatal factors. • Repetitive water deficit events induce photosynthetic acclimation in oil palms. • Oxidative damages are attenuated in oil palms subjected to repetitive drought. Stomatal and non-stomatal limitations to photosynthesis and acclimation of the photosynthetic machinery to repetitive water deficit (WD) events were investigated in oil palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). For this, well-watered plants (control treatment) were compared with plants subjected to one, two, and three WD events imposed by withholding irrigation until their predawn leaf water potential (Ψ pd) reached around −2.5 MPa. Treatment comparisons were performed over 28 days. The Ψ pd decreased equally between WD treatments. Decreases in net CO 2 assimilation rate (A) were similar between stressed plants until day 7. In the following days, the A was higher in plants thrice stressed than in those stressed once. Stomatal conductance decreased similarly between WD treatments, but mesophyll conductance to CO 2 was lower in plants subjected to a single WD. Chloroplast CO 2 concentration decreased similarly between plants subjected to one and three WD events until day 14, but it was lower in the former on subsequent days. Plants subjected to a single WD event showed lower Ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity, maximum rate of electron transport (J max), and higher rates of photorespiration and dark respiration than other treatments. Plants subjected to one WD event also showed lower maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry and PSII maximum efficiency concomitantly with higher malondialdehyde content. The results support that repetitive WD events induce the acclimation of the photosynthetic machinery in oil palm through adjustments in carboxylase Rubisco activity, J max , photorespiration, and respiration rates, as well as attenuating oxidative damages to PSII and membrane lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare hand selection and accuracy of technical skills between low- and high-pressure games of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the 2018–2019 regular season and playoffs. A notational analysis was conducted on 24 games of four teams (12 low-pressure games and 12 high-pressure games, six of each team, three in each condition). One- or two-handed actions were recorded for dribbling, passing, catching, and shooting (layups, dunks, hooks, and tips) skills. During high-pressure games, players significantly increased the frequency of right-handed passing. High-pressure games also increased the frequency of left-handed catching. For dribbling and shooting, no differences were observed in hand frequency between conditions. The success rate of all analyzed skills was similar between the hands in both low- and high-pressure conditions. Our results showed that game pressure could selectively modulate hand preference for passing and catching skills in elite-level basketball while presenting no significant effect on performance between hands. • Game pressure could selectively modulate hand preference for passing and catching skills in elite-level basketball. • Game pressure could not affect accuracy of dribbling, passing, and shooting skills between hands in elite-level basketball. • A preferred-hand bias was observed for all skills in elite-level basketball, but more strongly for the shooting actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of manual actions has supported the proposition that the right and left cerebral hemispheres have complementary specializations relevant for movement control. To test the extent to which hemisphere specialization affect lower limb control, we compared performance between the legs in two motor tasks. A pedal aiming task was employed to test the notion of left hemisphere specialization for dynamic control, and unipedal balance was employed to test the notion of right hemisphere specialization for impedance control. Evaluation was conducted on young adults, in the contexts of separate (Experiment 1) and integrated (Experiment 2) performance of the probing tasks. Results from the aiming task showed equivalent movement linearity toward the target between the right and left feet across experiments. Analysis of unipedal balance revealed that increased stance stability when supported on the left leg was observed when performing simultaneously the aiming task with the contralateral foot, but not in the context of isolated task performance. These results are inconsistent with the proposition of left hemisphere specialization for dynamic control in the lower limbs, and suggest that specialization of the right hemisphere for impedance control can be observed in balance control when stance is associated with voluntary movements of the contralateral lower limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]