Prenatal programming of sporting success: Associations of digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker for prenatal androgen action, with world rankings in female fencers

Abstract

Associations of the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative marker for prenatal androgen action, and of absolute finger length, a putative marker for pubertal-adolescent androgen action, with sport performance were examined in a multinational sample of 87 world-class women epee fencers. Lower (masculinized) digit ratios correlated, although not significantly so, with better current and highest past world rankings. These correlations were significant for right-hand 2D:4D with controls for the most salient factors for 2D:4D (ethnicity) and world rankings (years of international experience, height, and weight). Longer (masculinized) fingers correlated strongly with better current and highest past world rankings; these correlations became insignificant with the same controls. Replicating previous evidence for fencers, left-handedness was much more prevalent in this sample (21%) than in the female general population, and left-handers had somewhat, but not significantly so, lower 2D:4D as well as better world rankings than right-handers. These findings extend related evidence suggestive of prenatal programming of aptitude across a variety of sports, especially running and soccer. Some known extragenital effects of prenatal testosterone that contribute to the development of efficient cardiovascular systems, good visuospatial abilities, physical endurance and speed, and to the propensity for rough-and-tumble play, apparently promote sporting success in adult life.

Early-to-Mid Gestation Fetal Testosterone Increases Right Hand 2D∶4D Finger Length Ratio in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Like Monkeys

“…Right-sided bias in human 2D∶4D is positively associated with tissue oxygen uptake and physical performance [62], [66], [67] and may therefore contribute survival advantages. Studies, however, are inconsistent as to whether right-sided bias in human 2D∶4D is [62], [68]–[72] or is not [73], [74] associated with an increase in left-handedness as part of a functional asymmetry and cerebral lateralization [75]. A larger right hand 2D∶4D, however, is associated with right handedness in both men and women [70].…”

Reliability of a field based 2D:4D measurement technique in children

“…A range of statistical analyses have been employed to assess the reliability of the various 2D:4D measurement techniques. These have included intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from r = 0.91 to 0.98 for the measurement of hands using photographs [10,11,5] and correlation coefficients r = 0.93-0.97 using scans of the hand and Adobe Photoshop software [18]. Similarly Manning et al [2] reported correlation coefficients of r = 0.96-0.97 for 2D and 4D measured separately using callipers directly on the hand.…”

“…Second digit and 4D lengths have been measured in a number of ways, both directly and indirectly, for example using callipers [10,11,5], rulers [12], market tubes [13], radiography [14], or computer software [15][16][17], from actual hands, their scans, photocopies, or photographs, and all have their limitations (financial and feasibility), especially for use with children. A range of statistical analyses have been employed to assess the reliability of the various 2D:4D measurement techniques.…”

Digit ratio (2D:4D) predicts sporting success among female fencers independent from physical, experience, and personality factors

“…The martial arts are an obvious candidate sport form for investigations of 2D:4D as a predictor of sport performance. Up to now, two studies have investigated 2D:4D in fencers (Voracek et al, 2006;Besco´s et al, 2009). Modern sport fencing essentially is a stylized fight against a striking opponent.…”