Nasal airflow and hand preference: Is there a link?

Price, Annie 2016. Nasal airflow and hand preference: Is there a link? MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

In recent years, evidence has emerged suggesting that nasal airflow asymmetry and brain asymmetry may be linked. The nose is unique in that it exhibits asymmetrical airflow with the dominant airflow alternating from one nasal passage to the other over a period of hours. The cerebral hemispheres also exhibit both functional and structural asymmetry, and one of the most obvious manifestations of this is hand preference. Over ten years ago, it was suggested that nasal airflow dominance and hand preference were linked. The aims of this thesis were to explore the literature relating to nasal airflow and brain activity and to conduct a cross-sectional observational study looking for a correlation between nasal airflow and hand preference in healthy individuals. The modified Glatzel Mirror was used to record the dominant nasal passage at 15- minute intervals over a 6-hour period in 29 healthy subjects, of whom 15 were left-handed and 14 were right-handed, as measured by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Short Form). As expected based on previous studies, there was considerable variability in the nasal airflow patterns of the individuals observed, but over half demonstrated at least one definite and sustained reversal of nasal airflow dominance. No correlation between nasal airflow dominance and hand preference was identified. Asymmetrical cerebral organisation may offer advantages for complex actions such as speech and hand gestures. Nasal airflow is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and the function of asymmetrical nasal airflow is most likely immune defence and air-conditioning. Having a dominant nasal passage, comparable to having a dominant hand, would not therefore be physiologically advantageous. The results presented here, along with further evidence from the literature, do not support the previously reported correlation between hand preference and nasal airflow.

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Biosciences
Subjects:	Q Science > QP Physiology R Medicine > RF Otorhinolaryngology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	nose, nasal airflow, nasal cycle, airway resistance, functional laterality, handedness
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 June 2017
Last Modified:	14 Jun 2017 08:31
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/101405

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