Preliminary study: Digit ratio (2D:4D) Among U20 male and female rugby sevens state players

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport Vol. 22; no. 11; pp. 2763 - 2769
• Main Authors: Azam, Zulkhairi, Adanan, Nursyamimi M D, Sidi, M Adli Mohd, Affandi, Mohamed Azizul Mohamed, Zainuddin, Zainal Abidin, Kosni, Norlaila Azura Binti, Sanuddin, Nurul Diyana Binti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pitesti Universitatea din Pitesti 01.11.2022
• Subjects: Aggression; Aggressiveness; Athletes; Boxing; Estrogens; Exercise; Females; Feminism; Gender differences; Gender Discrimination; High Achievement; Hormones; Human Body; Males; Martial arts; Masculinity; Muscular Strength; Physical fitness; Puberty; Resistance (Psychology); Rugby; Testosterone
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2022.11350

There have been a few studies linking digit ratio (2D:4D) to aggressive sports that requires frequent physical contacts; however, it is uncommon to find studies including both male and female rugby sevens players with 2D:4D. Due to the link established on the status of 2D:4D with participation in sports in most studies, this study focuses on rugby sevens to compare the prevalence of 2D:4D in U20 male (n = 36) and female (n = 36) rugby sevens state players with that in non-athletes (male, n = 40; female, n = 40). The participants were selected using a purposive selection method; all of the samples were state representatives and non-athletes. For the 2D:4D assessments, 2D:4D was measured and calculated using a measuring software and a scanner equipment. The analysis revealed that both genders in the rugby group had low 2D:4D scores, whereas those in the non-athlete group had higher 2D:4D scores (male, M ± SD = 0.993 ± 0.034 mm; female, M ± SD = 1.020 ± 032 mm). Furthermore, the rugby group had reduced low 2D:4D readings (male, M ± SD = 0.938 ± 026 mm; female, M ± SD = 0.960 ± 039 mm). The results of the independent t-test demonstrated a significant difference in 2D:4D for both hands between male and female rugby players and the non-athletes (p = .000). This indicated that low 2D:4D is substantially associated with high prenatal testosterone content, leading to aggressive behavioral traits and participation in competitive sports that include lots of physical contact, as observed in rugby sevens players with no regard to gender difference. In conclusion, this knowledge could provide better understanding of the role of 2D:4D in athlete selection, as well as the relationship of prenatal testosterone on aggression and masculinity in contact sports.