Clenching of the fists may help improve memory formation and recall, says a new study from researchers at Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey. For the study researchers examined 50 participants as they attempted to form memories. Some were asked to clench fists while others weren't.
They found that those who clenched the right fist enjoyed improved memory formation, while those who clenched the left had better memory recall.
"Clenching your right hand immediately prior to learning information and clenching your left hand immediately before recalling it would be helpful to improve memory," lead researcher Ruth Propper told BBC News.
Peer reviewer Prof Neil Burgess, of University College London Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, said that while the study is intriguing, more data is needed:
"Ideally replication would use a more powerful design (i.e. more people or a within-subjects design) and include fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging to measures brain activity) verification of the effect on blood flow," he explained.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.