TY - JOUR
T1 - Prenatal androgenization (2D:4D) predictions of tennis match-play success in junior players
T2 - A search for physiological explanations
AU - Ribeiro, Evaldo
AU - Neave, Nick
AU - Marsili, Birgit Keller
AU - Figueiredo, Eduardo Carlos Gonçalves
AU - Martino-Andrade, Anderson Joel
AU - de Moraes, Rosana Nogueira
N1 - Funding information: Evaldo Ribeiro Jr was a recipient of the BEX 6473/14‐8 grant from the Brazilian government (CAPES—Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel).
PY - 2023/8/21
Y1 - 2023/8/21
N2 - Aim: This study aims to investigate the possible association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and match-play success (MPS) in junior tennis players. In addition, we consider the possible explanatory pathways of these associations in relation to psychological, strength, power, and hormonal parameters. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study, with a sample comprised of 64 male junior tennis players (11–18 years old). Digit ratio was calculated from direct finger measurements. In addition, we measured the ratio of wins by number of matches played in 5 years of official competition (MPS), handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), training (in weekly hours), and expertise (number of years in official competition). Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after physical “challenge” tests. Results: The 2D:4D correlated negatively with HGS and SLJ. MPS was also negatively associated with 2D:4D, but was positively correlated to HGS, expertise, training, and self-confidence (SC). Multiple linear regression showed 2D:4D and expertise were associated with MPS (43%–54%). None of the physical, or hormonal variables tested explained the links between 2D:4D and MPS. Conclusion: Therefore, the specific fitness components influenced by prenatal androgenization that moderate sports success remain unknown. Future studies should explore the interaction of 2D:4D, with tennis exercises as a challenge to induce hormonal change, the effect of pubertal stage, and the influence of aerobic endurance in determining MPS.
AB - Aim: This study aims to investigate the possible association between digit ratio (2D:4D) and match-play success (MPS) in junior tennis players. In addition, we consider the possible explanatory pathways of these associations in relation to psychological, strength, power, and hormonal parameters. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study, with a sample comprised of 64 male junior tennis players (11–18 years old). Digit ratio was calculated from direct finger measurements. In addition, we measured the ratio of wins by number of matches played in 5 years of official competition (MPS), handgrip strength (HGS), standing long jump (SLJ), training (in weekly hours), and expertise (number of years in official competition). Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels were measured before and after physical “challenge” tests. Results: The 2D:4D correlated negatively with HGS and SLJ. MPS was also negatively associated with 2D:4D, but was positively correlated to HGS, expertise, training, and self-confidence (SC). Multiple linear regression showed 2D:4D and expertise were associated with MPS (43%–54%). None of the physical, or hormonal variables tested explained the links between 2D:4D and MPS. Conclusion: Therefore, the specific fitness components influenced by prenatal androgenization that moderate sports success remain unknown. Future studies should explore the interaction of 2D:4D, with tennis exercises as a challenge to induce hormonal change, the effect of pubertal stage, and the influence of aerobic endurance in determining MPS.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85168362467&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1002/ajhb.23979
DO - 10.1002/ajhb.23979
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85168362467
JO - American Journal of Human Biology
JF - American Journal of Human Biology
SN - 1042-0533
M1 - e23979
ER -