Digit ratios and motor and health-related fitness in pre-adolescent females

Abstract

Background: Assessing different aspects of physical fitness in children whose abilities are undeveloped and their associations with second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) may better determine the potential athleticism of an individual. Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine relationships between the digit ratios and selected motor and health-related fitness parameters in a large sample of pre-adolescent females. Subjects and methods: Participants included 8–12 year old Iranian and Afghan girls. The length of the left and right second and fourth digits was measured by scanning and computer-assisted image analysis. Motor- and health-related fitness tests were evaluated. Results: No significant correlations were noted between right 2D:4D ratio and physical fitness components. Left 2D:4D and physical fitness components were not correlated, with the exception of handgrip strength (r = –0.193). However, right and left second digit lengths were negatively correlated with predicted VO2max (p ≤ 0.01). In addition, right–left 2D:4D was significantly negatively correlated with flexibility, and significantly positively correlated with height and body fat percentage. Conclusion: In contrast to previous investigations, it seems that left 2D:4D is a predictor of strength, but not aerobic exercise. It is suggested there may be a potential relationship between prenatal androgen exposure and high flexibility, low body fat percentage and the generation of muscular strength in pre-adolescent females.

Keywords

• 2d:4d ratio
• ethnicity
• finger length
• flexibility
• prenatal testosterone