The Big Finger - The second to fourth digit ratio (2d:4d) is a predictor of sporting ability in females

Simon N Paul ^1*, Bernet S Kato ¹, Janice L Hunkin ¹, Sindu Vivekanandan ¹ and Tim D Spector ¹

¹ St Thomas' Hospital, United Kingdom

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: simon.paul{at}rnoh.nhs.uk.

Accepted 22 August 2006

Abstract

Objectives The second to fourth finger length ratio (2d:4d) is thought to be related to diverse traits including cognitive ability, disease susceptibility, and sexuality. Our aim was to examine the relationship between 2d:4d and sports ability in females.

Methods Hand X-rays from 607 females (mean age of 54 years) were used to estimate 2d:4d. Ranking of sports ability level was on a scale (1-5).

Results The highest achieved level of participation in any sport was significantly negatively associated with 2d:4d (b= -4.93, p=0.01) as was the relationship between 2d:4d and running level (b = -6.81, p = 0.034). Ability in other sports also demonstrated negative relationships albeit non-significant.

Conclusions These results suggest 2d:4d is related to female sports ability. We postulate that 2d:4d may predict potential sports ability. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning this relationship may give important insights into musculoskeletal fitness, health and disease.

Key Words: 2d:4d, finger length ratio, sports ability, sports profiling, talent idnetification

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