Symmetry and Performance in Middle Distance Runners

Deviations from perfect symmetry in paired traits such as ear size and nostril width may indicate developmental instability and/or short-term fluctuations in hormones. In both cases symmetry is thought to be optimal and to indicate high phenotypic quality. The purpose of this work was to determine t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of sports medicine 1998-04, Vol.19 (3), p.205-209
Main Authors: Manning, J. T., Pickup, L. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anthropometry
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Male
Physical Endurance
Physical Fitness
Reference Values
Running
Training and Testing
Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
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Summary:Deviations from perfect symmetry in paired traits such as ear size and nostril width may indicate developmental instability and/or short-term fluctuations in hormones. In both cases symmetry is thought to be optimal and to indicate high phenotypic quality. The purpose of this work was to determine the relationship between symmetry and performance in middle-distance runners. Fifty male subjects participated in this study. Deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry were measured in seven traits; ear size, nostril width, 2nd to 5th digit length and wrist width. After measurements were made the subjects were ranked for athletic ability and they reported their best 800 metre and 1500 metre times. Symmetric subjects had higher rankings for athletic ability (nostrils, p
ISSN:0172-4622
1439-3964
DOI:10.1055/s-2007-971905