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

• Published in: Journal of sports sciences Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 625 - 632
• Main Authors: Bescós, Raúl, Esteve, Marc, Porta, Jordi, Mateu, Mercè, Irurtia, Alfredo, Voracek, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.04.2009; Taylor & Francis; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Androgens; Athletic Performance - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; digit ratio (2D:4D); Female; Fencing; Fetal Development; Fingers - anatomy & histology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; hormonal masculinisation; Human performance; Humans; Muscular system; Organ Size; prenatal programming; Sex Characteristics; Somatotypes; testosterone; Track and Field; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports; Women; Young Adult; Human; Androgen; Fencing; digit ratio (2D:4D); hormonal masculinisation; Prenatal; Testosterone; Masculinization; Sport; prenatal programming; Female; Testicular hormone; Sex steroid hormone
• ISSN: 0264-0414; 1466-447X
• DOI: 10.1080/02640410802707029

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 épée 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.