Digit Ratio (2D:4D), Lateral Preferences, and Performance in Fencing

Abstract

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait (men tend to have lower values than women) and a likely biomarker for the organizational (permanent) effects of prenatal androgens on the human brain and body. Prenatal testosterone, as reflected by 2D:4D, has many extragenital effects, including its relevance for the formation of an efficient cardiovascular system. Previous research, reviewed here, has therefore investigated possible associations of 2D:4D with sport performance. Several studies found more masculinized digit ratio patterns (low 2D:4D values or a negative right-minus-left difference in 2D:4D) to be related to high performance in running, soccer, and skiing. The present research tested this hypothesis in a sample of 54 tournament fencers, predominantly from Austria. For men, negative right-left differences in 2D:4D corresponded significantly to better current as well as highest national fencing rankings, independent of training intensity and fencing experience. The mean 2D:4D values of these fencers were significantly lower and the proportion of left-handers was elevated relative to the local general population. For the right hand, the ratio was somewhat lower in male sabre fencers than in male epée and foil fencers combined and significantly lower in left-handed compared to right-handed fencers. Although nonsignificant due to low statistical power, effect sizes suggested that crossed versus congruent hand-eye and hand-foot preferences might also be related to fencing performance. The present findings add to the evidence that 2D:4D might be a performance indicator for men across a variety of sports.

Digit ratio and laterality indices: the Chuvashian study

“…Th e subjects with a right dominant hand had lower right phalangeal, right and left metacarpal and right ray ratios than those with a left dominant hand. As we mentioned before, the association between the digit ratio and HDD was found in several previous studies [21,26,36,39]. However, contrary to our results, these studies demonstrated that left -handed individuals had a lower, more masculine digit ratio.…”

“…Stoyanov et al [36] found that the diff erence between the right and the left digit ratio was signifi cantly lower in left -handers than in right-handers. Voracek et al [39], in a sample of 54 tournament fencers, found that the right hand digit ratio was signifi cantly lower in left -handed fencers compared to right-handed ones. Nicholls et al [26] in a study of 600 students showed a more masculine pattern of the digit ratio (lower index/ring ratio) in left -handers, a more feminine pattern of the digit ratio in right-handers.…”

Finger Length Ratio (2D:4D) in Left- and Right-Handed Males

“…It is well known that during intrauterine development the sex steroids have an important organizing effect on the brain with subsequent long-term effects on the behavior (Carlson, 2005;Voracek, Reimer, Ertl, & Dressler, 2006). For that reason many researchers try to find a correlation between 2D:4D and various androgen-dependent or sexually dimorphic aspects of the brain functions and behavior both in healthy persons and among clinical groups (for a review see Hönekopp et al, 2007;Lindová, Hrušková, Pivoňková, Kuběna, & Fleger, 2007;McIntyre, 2006).…”

Brain asymmetry, immunity, handedness

“…Recently, however, some studies (including our own investigation) using the finger length ratio (second to fourth digit) as a biomarker for the prenatal levels of testosterone have shown indirect evidence for a relationship between higher prenatal testosterone and left-handedness [43][44][45][46][47].…”