Behavioral results.

<p>A. Nine hole peg test (NHPT) score: left hand in pianists was significantly faster than in controls (p = 0.001). In the control group the time required to perform NHPT was shorter for the right than the left hand (p = 0.003). B Finger tapping (FT) scores: a significant effect of “side” factor was observed (F_1,22 = 100.6, p<0.0001) being the right hand faster than the left hand. A trend was observed for the “group” comparison (F_1,22 = 3.8, p = 0.06) and the “side” x “group” interaction was not significant (F_1,22 = 0.18, p = 0.6). C. NHPT asymmetry index (AI) score was significantly lower in pianist than in controls indicating more symmetric motor performance in pianists (p = 0.005) D. FT AI was significantly lower in pianists than in controls (p = 0.01).