Influência da prática de natação e da idade na lateralidade

Abstract

The currently study had as objective to analyze the laterality of individuals in different swimming age groups. Sixty individuals, swimmers (30) and non-swimmers (30) were analyzed and subdivided into three groups: children, adolescents and adults. The volunteers responded to the Global Lateral Preference Inventory (IPLAG) for laterality determination. After data collection, the means, scores for the global motor preference were calculated and the groups were compared. Three means were obtained, being they, average of general preferences, average of upper limb abilities and average of global preferences. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the groups practicing and not practicing for the purpose of the laterality practice, however there was a marginal difference in the age group referring to the adolescents, in the comparison between the groups for the effect of maturation on the laterality. Already in the analysis of the different age groups of the practicing group were found significant differences, the same did not occur for the non-practicing group. In general, it can be concluded that the opportunity to practice swimming allows changes in laterality throughout life, and children tend to present a more lateralized behavior, while less lateralized adults.