Handedness and Physical Measures II: Objectively Measured Height and Weight

There is conflicting literature on the relationship between hand preference, height, and weight, with some research indicating increased height in non-right-handers, and others supporting both decreased height and decreased weight in this population. However, no previous research has objectively measured height and weight, examined a predominantly female population, or explicitly explored the contribution of handedness degree versus handedness direction in investigations. The present research objectively assessed height and weight in a sample of individuals with a range of hand preferences. Results: Left-handers were shorter than right-handers, but weighed the same. Left-handers therefore demonstrated a higher body mass index than right-handers. Conclusion: Results suggest handedness direction is related to objectively measure anthropomorphic characteristics in women. Because the current sample was predominantly female, future research could determine if the present findings reflect true gender differences in the relationship between height, weight, and handedness, or limitations of sample size.