title: Digit ratio (2D:4D) and performance in Indian swimmers.
abstract: It has been suggested that achievement in sports is correlated with a putative measure of prenatal testosterone the 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D:4D). It has been shown that digit ratio (2D:4D) is negatively associated with prenatal testosterone, and it is also negatively associated with ability in sports. This study examined associations between 2D:4D and performance of both male and female National level Indian swimmers. Age matched non-sports personnel formed the control. Lengths of second and fourth digits were measured after scanning both hands and their ratio calculated. Our results show lower 2D:4D values in males compared to females (P < 0.05). Among male, but not female, swimmers had significantly (P < 0.05) lower 2D:4D ratio. Low 2D:4D in male swimmers suggests they are more prenatally programmed via long-lasting extra genital effects of testosterone. 2D:4D ratio could be used to identify young sports personnel who have potential to reach high levels of performance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore--560 070, India. haddinakallu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Sudhakar
authors.forename: Umesh B
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Veena
authors.forename: R Nadig
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Tejaswi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D013550:Swimming; D013739:Testosterone; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone