The 2D:4D ratio versus features of body composition and body constitution in young women and men
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/v10251-012-0067-xKeywords
2D, 4D, body composition, body constitutionAbstract
Towards the end of the 19th century, a hypothesis was proposed of the dimorphic nature of the 2D:4D ratio. Differences in this ratio already develop in intrauterine life and result from different proportions and concentrations of sex hormones. High prenatal androgens and low prenatal estrogens cause a low, masculinizing, 2D:4D ratio. Numerous data from literature confirm that this ratio is connected with a number of traits associated with sex hormones.
The research was carried out into a group of men (166) and women (217) including students of physiotherapy (139) of Collegium Medicum of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, tourism and recreation (63) and physical education (121) of the Kazimierz Wielki University of Bydgoszcz, and competitive sportspeople (59) from the sports club Zawisza Bydgoszcz. The lengths of right fingers were measured by a sliding caliper (GPM, Swiss Made). The body structure was assessed by Rohrer’s index. The body composition was investigated with segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (SBIA) using the Biospace Co. Ltd. In Body 3.0 apparatus.
The study was made on the relationship between the digit ratio (2D:4D) and a number of selected features and indices of body composition and body constitution. A significant correlation was found between the 2D:4D ratio and the protein mass, bone mass, soft lean mass (SLM), lean body mass (LBM) and segmental lean body mass (except lower limbs) in the group of female subjects. In the group of male subjects, no significant correlation between the 2D:4D ratio and the examined traits and indices was found.
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