Fun With Your Right Foot

I saw this today on Facebook. Try it. It's fascinating and frustrating at the same time:

Okay, F, now tell us why, please!

Favorite

0 members favorited this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on October 2, 2012 at 8:20am

I t also happens if I draw a 6 with my left hand.

Permalink Reply by Leslie and Halas on October 2, 2012 at 8:30am

I'm really concentrating, and I still can't make my foot keep going clockwise!

Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on October 2, 2012 at 8:58am

Oh dear, I was bamboozled by neuroanatomy, where the professor faced the board and drew with two hands at the same time, I kid you not. But I'm sure Monsieur Google will tell you. But no doubt some circuitry in your foot and hand have connections. There are more of these sort of teasers out there. Here's one answer:

http://ask.metafilter.com/22906/Why-does-your-foot-change-direction...

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on October 2, 2012 at 9:12am

From F's link:

THIS effect is partly due to the normal difference in height betweenhand and foot.That difference,in conjunction with gravity and the earth’s rotation,is enough to affect the body’s highly sensitive limb rotation mechanisms.If you eliminate this difference (for instance,by lying down and holding your right leg and arm at about the same height),your right foot will be unaffected.However, if you reverse this height difference (for instance,by positioning your right leg above your head and your right hand nearer the floor),the effect will be even more marked.This is probably because,with this posture,your head is in a silly position too.

Well, I tried doing it lying down, and it wasn't perfect, but I could kind of keep my foot going clockwise. Try it Leslie!

Permalink Reply by Leslie and Halas on October 2, 2012 at 9:15am

My work people think I'm weird enough already. All I need is for them to walk into my office and find me laying on the floor trying this. I'll have to try it when I go home for lunch. And then I'll make everyone do it as a team activity at work after that. :)

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on October 2, 2012 at 9:17am

ROFL, Leslie!

The perks of being a partner!

Permalink Reply by Lisa, Daisy & Dexter on October 2, 2012 at 9:43am

Well I am NOT doing this at work, I will have to take your word for it!

Permalink Reply by Lisa, Daisy & Dexter on October 2, 2012 at 9:42am

Okay I am at work looking like a total idiot now - hopefully someone can explain!!!!

Permalink Reply by Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie on October 2, 2012 at 6:56pm

Yup. Dumb foot!

Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on October 2, 2012 at 7:10pm

Here's another suggestion from the web:

"The left side of your brain, which controls the right side of your body, is responsible for rhythm and timing. The left side of your brain cannot deal with operating two opposite movements at the same time and so it combines them into a single motion.

Try this with your right foot and left hand and you should have no problem!"

Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on October 2, 2012 at 7:26pm

It's true, I had no problem!

The human body is fascinating.

Permalink Reply by F, Calla & Luca on October 2, 2012 at 7:34pm

Indeed it is. We know far less than we don't know : )