Citation

Agha-Alinejad H, Farzad B, Akbari M, Moffit DM, Dakhili A. Ann. Hum. Biol. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-6.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03014460.2019.1620332

PMID

31106581

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 to 12 yr old Iranian and Afghan girls. The length of the left and right second and fourth digits were 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 VO_2max (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 percent, and the generation of muscular strength in pre-adolescent females.

Language: en

Keywords

2D:4D Ratio; Ethnicity; Finger Length; Flexibility; Prenatal Testosterone