Relationship between 2D:4D digit ratio with waist to hip ratio, muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Background: In previous studies the ratio between 2D:4D hand digits was proposed as an indicator of testosterone level and can be related to aging-induced sarcopenia. Based on the notion, the aim of present study was to investigate the relationship between (2D:4D digit ratio and waist to hip ratio (WHR), muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: One-hundred forty eight postmenopausal women (average age: 53.74±4.38 years) were selected purposefully. Anthropometric characteristics of subjects, skeletal muscle mass index, handgrip strength and quadriceps strength were measured. Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation for 2D:4D digit ratio with handgrip strength and quadriceps muscle strength (r=-0.62, r=-0.51 and P<0.001). In addition, a weak negative correlation between the (2D:4D digit ratio and calf-circumference and skeletal muscle mass index (r=-0.21, P=0.008; r=-0.32, P=0.001, respectively) was observed, but there was no significant correlation between WHR and digit ratio (r=-0.14, P=0.08). Moreover, regression analysis showed that the 2D:4D digit ratio is a more predictive power for handgrip strength and quadriceps muscle strength (R2=0.38, R2=0.26, P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Among the postmenopausal women the 2D: 4D digit ratio has a stronger correlation with handgrip strength and quadriceps muscle strength than the other variables. This finding can be used to check the possibility of reduced muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

Keywords

• Digit (2D:4D) ratio
• Postmenopausal women
• Muscle strength
• Muscle mass
• Sarcopenia