2D: 4D, Lateralization and Strength in Handball Players

Abstract

Lateralization, which is also known as hand preference, and 2D:4D finger ratio is a sign of prenatal testosterone and known to be associated with strength. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 2D: 4D, lateralization and hand grip strength in relation to hand and forearm that are thought to be effective in handball in elite handball players. 67 female and 67 male elite players participated in this study. The height, weight, body-mass index and hand preference of these athletes have been identified and 2D: 4D finger measurements and hand grip strength tests were performed. When identifying the preferences regarding lateralization, the hand distribution preference was determined by the Oldfield questionnaire and evaluated using the Geschwind score. After photocopy images of the two hands of the athletes were taken, their finger lengths were measured Hand grip strength was determined by a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. Strong correlation was found especially between 2D: 4D and dominant hand grip strength in male and female elite handball players. The ratio of left-handedness due to the positions of players during the game among male and female athletes has been found to be higher than that of the general population. With regard to gender, 2D: 4D was found to be lower in males than females but hand grip was found to be higher in males than females. Besides, a significant correlation between height and BMI with 2D:4D, sport age, height, body weight and hand grip strength was found. This study emphasizes the importance of 2D: 4D, handgrip strength and hand preference in handball.

The Relationship between Digit Ratio (2D:4D), Anaerobic Power and Athletic Ability of Young Athletes

“…Previous findings in the literature on this topic have shown elite athletes have low 2D:4D ratios in the between 0.90 and 1.00 mm [1,3,9,13]. Similarly, the mean of participants' digit ratio (2D:4D) was 0.99±0.03 mm (ranged 0.89-1.10) and this finding concurred with reported digit ratio range in previous studies.…”

“…Moreover, some researchers dictated that prenatal testosterone have organizing effects on physical performance [4]. However, the relationship between prenatal testosterone and physical performance in later life is still argued by researchers [3,12,20].…”

Digit ratio (2D:4D): relationship with freestyle swimming performance of adolescent well-trained swimmers

“…The importance of testosterone hormone for the accrual of muscle mass or strength is indicated by a number of studies showing links between the level of testosterone and body composition and/or muscle mass in later life [1,19]. In this connection, much of the research investigating the links between digit ratios and athletic performance has reported that elite athletes have low 2D:4D ratio (ranged 0.90-1.00) [2,11,12,20]. Similarly, adolescent well-trained swimmers who participated in this study also had a low digit ratio (0.96±0.04).…”

“…In the sports science and medicine literature, it is fairly well-known the effect of testosterone on physical performance of both male and female athletes [2,6]. Scientific studies suggested that the higher level of testosterone on the body can lead to increase athletic performance in various sports disciplines such as; team handball, soccer, skiing, rugby [6,[9][10][11][12]. Some researcher who investigated athletes' digit ratio found a relationship between digit ratio and athletic performance, but others not found [13,14].…”

“…Until today, most of the studies published on this topic have focused on the relationship between athletic performance and digit ratios in adult athletes [2,9,11]. A few researchers studied the relationship between athletic performance and digit ratios of adolescent athletes [15,16].…”