Digit ratio (2D:4D) and performance in elite rugby players

The relative length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a putative marker for prenatal testosterone. Low 2D:4D has been reported to correlate with high performance in sport in general. Here, for the first time, we examine the relationship between 2D:4D and performance in elite rugby players....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of sports sciences 2010-11, Vol.28 (13), p.1415-1421
Main Authors: Bennett, M., Manning, J. T., Cook, C. J., Kilduff, L. P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Athletes
Athletic Performance
Biological and medical sciences
Biomarkers
Body Height
Body Weight
Case-Control Studies
Fetus - drug effects
Fingers - anatomy & histology
Football
Functional Laterality
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
international rugby players
Male
performance predictor
Prenatal testosterone
Rugby
Testosterone
Testosterone - pharmacology
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
Young Adult
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Summary:The relative length of the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a putative marker for prenatal testosterone. Low 2D:4D has been reported to correlate with high performance in sport in general. Here, for the first time, we examine the relationship between 2D:4D and performance in elite rugby players. The 44 players (28 forwards, 16 backs) were drawn from the Ospreys Rugby Union Club and 44 age-matched controls. The measures of performance comprised age-adjusted number of international performances (caps) for Wales, a comparison of coaches' first-choice League team with others, and the number of tries scored by backs in club matches. Compared with controls, players were larger and had lower 2D:4D for the right and left hand. With regard to number of caps, players with low 2D:4D in their right hand and low right 2D:4D compared with their left (right − left 2D:4D difference) had high numbers of caps. First-choice players did not differ significantly from second-choice players in their 2D:4D but they did have a lower right − left 2D:4D difference than second-choice players. Low right 2D:4D and low right − left 2D:4D difference were significantly linked with large numbers of tries. We conclude that low right 2D:4D and low right − left 2D:4D difference are predictors of high rugby performance.
ISSN:0264-0414
1466-447X
DOI:10.1080/02640414.2010.510143