Finger Length Ratio (2D:4D) Correlates with Serum Testosterone and Athleticism in Women

Fetal and adult testosterone may be vital in the establishment and maintenance of sex-dependent abilities associated with physical competitiveness. Researches has demonstrated that finger ratio (2D:4D) is negatively correlated with prenatal testosterone and traits beneficial to athleticism. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of digit ratio and serum free testosterone (FT) and total testosterone (TT) in non sportswomen and sportswomen, which entail specific physiological, psychological and physical compositions. Digital finger ratio (2D:4D) of right hand (RH), left (LH) and serum testosterone (FT & TT) were measured in sportswomen (N - 129 & age -21.2±1.33) and non sports women (N - 158 & age -20.2±1.11). A significant difference (RH F ratio - 4.06; p<0.001 & LH F ratio - 3.29; p<0.001) in the finger ratios were found between sportswomen and non sportswomen. Serum concentrations of free and total testosterones were significantly (P<0.001) higher in the sports women (FT Mean - 2.26 pg/ml & TT Mean - 22.21ng/dl) then non sports women (FT Mean - 1.45 pg/ml & TT Mean - 14.25 ng/dl). A significant negative relationship (FT p<0.05 & TT p<0.01) between serum testosterones and digital finger ratio (2d:4D) were found in the both groups of females. This research extends related evidence that the 2D:4D ratio may help in indicating potential athleticism or competition-level achievement in the females.