Left brain/right brain theory says the left hemisphere of the brain is where logic, reasoning and numbers are processed; the right side is responsible for intuition, creativity, and performance. That makes fictional “Big Bang Theory” physicist Sheldon a left-brain type, and real-life tennis player Jim Federer a right brainer.

We know the left side of your body is controlled by your right brain, where there’s also control of performance (motor skills and coordination). So, German researchers decided to see if right-handed athletes would compete better if the right side of their brain was stimulated before a game.

In three experiments, right-handed athletes (in judo, badminton and soccer) squeezed a ball in their left hand before they started playing in a high-pressure competition. They performed measurably better than other right-handed players who squeezed a ball in their right hand.

The researchers theorize that thinking consciously about what you’re going to do (left brain) makes you mess up. And athletes do best when they rely on automatic, pre-programmed moves (those live in the right brain). Therefore, stimulating the right brainsense of intuitive performance (via left-handed ball squeezing) makes for better play.

The researchers think that an elderly (right-handed) person who’s afraid of falling might also benefit from squeezing a cane or walker with the left hand before taking the stairs. And we’ve always said a good squeeze is wonderful for body and soul – so why not try it? Your significant other awaits.

– Dr. Michael Roizen & Dr. Mehmet Oz

© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.