Examination of the Relationship Between 2d:4d Finger Length Proportion and Leg Strength and Anaerobic Power in Basketball Players

Transcription

1 Advances in Biological Research 9 (5): , 015 ISSN IDOSI Publications, 015 DOI: /idosi.abr Examination of the Relationship Between d:4d Finger Length Proportion and Leg Strength and Anaerobic Power in Basketball Players 1 3 Atilla Pulur, Hürmüz Koç, Ya ar Köro lu and Kubilay Çimen 1 Gazi University, School of Physical Education and Sport, Ankara, Turkey Erciyes University, School of Physical Education and Sport, Kayseri, Turkey 3 stanbul Geli lim University, School of Physical Education and Sport, stanbul, Turkey Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between d:4d finger length proportion and competition performances in basketball players. This study covered 14 voluntary athletes of basketball teams playing in the Basketball Premier League of Erciyes University between the ages of 18 and 6 with a training age of five and more. Athletes partcipating in the study were first given written and verbal information concerning the examination and measurements to be made. Those who accepted to participate signed an Informed Voluntary Consent Form (IVCF). ID Information was taken as basis to determine the ages of the participating athletes. Body height and weight as well as the length of index finger (d) and ring finger (4d) of the dominant hand of the participating athletes were measured by means of a digital compass (MarCal 16 ER Digital Compasses) with 0.01 mm sensitivity by taking into consideration the distances indicated by Pheasant. Leg strength was measured by a dinometer while leg length and circumference were measured by inflexible measuring tape. Anaerobic power was determined through vertical jumping test. Data obtained were evaluated in the SPSS statistical software package. Measurement results were presented as arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The relationship between static leg strength and anaerobic power and finger length of basketball players was determined by means of Pearson correlation analysis. The value of p<0.05 was accepted as significant. It was found out in the study that there was a relationship between the mean values of athletes leg length, anaerobic power and static leg strength and the 4d finger length averages (r=0,738). As a conclusion, under the light of this study, given the fact that there is a correlation between the length of finger 4d which expresses dominant testosterone hormones in human beings and performance of athletes, further studies are needed with more subjects and more repetitions in order to define this correlation more clearly. Key words: d:4d Finger Leg Strength Anaerobic Power Basketball Players INTRODUCTION The goal of all athletes is to win or to come first in any competition they attend. Athletes want to reach the Sports have been a great dynamic with millions of highest level of efficiency in return for regular trainings. practitioners and spectators today. In line with this Considering that basketball should be played quickly development, sportive performance has gained more and accurately under the rules of the game, basic motor importance. Many different scientific studies have been attributes (strength, pace, stamina, mobility and flair) are conducted in order to maximize performance of athletes for essential in any actions both in defence and offence [1-4]. many years. Basketball as a popular sport internationally Athletes with perfect technique and tactics can only be has been a branch with thousands of players and millions successful if they develop and implement their basic of spectators worldwide. Basketball is a sports branch motor attributes in a systematic fashion [5]. which is easy and enjoyable to play. Furthermore, it has The length difference between the index finger (d) been one of the most favourite sports for the youth owing and ring finger (4d) in human hand, which is the subject to its psychological, social, physical and pedagogical nd of our study, varies in males and females. In males, the assets. The goal of the world of sports is to be successful. th nd finger is often shorter than the 4 finger whereas the Corresponding Author: Atilla Pulur, Gazi University, School of Physical Education and Sport, Ankara, Turkey. 99

2 Advan. Biol. Res., 9 (5): , 015 th finger is often equal to or longer than the 4 finger in females. In medical literature, this concept is termed as the d:4d proportion. D stands for Digit (finger). In enumeration of fingers, the thumb is accepted as finger number 1; the index finger is accepted as finger number while the ring finger as number 4 [6]. The Hox gene family in vertebrates is necessary for development of limbs and genital organs [7, 8]. Hoxa and Hoxd genes as members of the Hox gene family are needed for differentiation of genital buds and growth and formation of fingers [9]. There are innumerable publications supporting this situation in the literature. The hand-foot-genital syndrome with anatomic defects in fingers and genitals in humans is a result of mutation of the Hoxa gene [10]. nd th Therefore, the proportion of the finger to the 4 Fig. 1: Length measurement of index finger (d) and ring finger (the d:4d proportion) is less than 1 in most of finger (4d) males whereas it is equal to or higher than 1 in most of females [11]. There are many completed or ongoing length of index finger (d) and ring finger (4d) of the studies that used the d:4d proportion as an index of dominant hand of the participating athletes were prental hormone exposure and related the finger measured by means of a digital compass (MarCal 16 ER proportion to physiological conditions and athletic skills Digital Compasses) with 0.01 mm sensitivity by taking [1, 13]. into consideration the distances indicated by Pheasant The aim of this study is to examine the correlation (Figure 1). between the d:4d finger length proprtions in basketball Data obtained were evaluated in IBM SPSS Statistics players and comtetitive performance. 1 statistical software package. Saphiro-Wilk test was used in order to see whether the data displayed a MATERIAL AND METHODS normal distribution or not. Measurement results were presented as arithmetic mean and standard deviation The universe of this study consisted of basketball (S D). The correlation between static leg strength and players at age interval of 18-6 with a training age of at anaerobic power and finger length of basketball least five years. This study covered 14 voluntary athletes players was determined by the Pearson correlation of basketball teams playing in the Basketball Premier analysis. The p<0.05 value was considered to be League of Erciyes University. Athletes partcipating in the significant. study were first given written and verbal information concerning the examination and measurements to be RESULTS made. Those who accepted to participate signed an Informed Voluntary Consent Form (IVCF). ID Values of all athletes who participated in the study Information was taken as basis to determine the ages of were presented in tables. In the tables, when we looked at the participating athletes. Body height measurements of the values regarding the age variable, we saw that the the participating athletes were made by means of a wall youngest age was 18 years while the oldest being 6, scale with the sensitivity level of 0.1cm. Body weight of which gave us the average age of 1,64±1,78 years. the athletes was measured by means of a Tanita-brand When we looked at the values regarding body height, we weighing machine in kilograms as athletes stood on the saw that the shortest one was 173 cm while the tallest weighing machine in anatomic upright position with their being 05 cm, which gave us the average height as shorts and t-shirts and without any shoes. Body mass 189,64±8,90 cm. When we analyzed the variables index was calculated with the formula of BMI = body regarding body weight, we observed that the lowest value weight (kg) / body height (m ). was 68 kg while the highest being 11 kg, which gave us Athletes with any congenital or acquired finger the average of 89,07±1,63 kg. When we observed the deformity in index finger (d) and ring finger (4d) of their values regarding Body Mass Index, the shortest value dominant hands were not included in the study. the was 0,99 kg/m whereas the highest being 8,67 kg/m 300

3 Advan. Biol. Res., 9 (5): , 015 Table 1: Statistical Breakdown of all Basketball Players who participated in the Study Variables n Min Max Mean SD Age(year) 14 18,00 6,00 1,64 1,78 Height (cm) ,00 05,00 189,64 8,90 Body Weight (kg) 14 68,00 11,00 89,07 1,63 BMI (kg/m ) 14 0,99 8,67 4,67,1 Leg length (cm) 14 96,00 111,00 105,78 4,6 Anaerobic power (kg. m/sn) ,87 18,87 159,19 11,0 Leg strength (kg) 14 85,00 157,00 13,64 0,87 :d (mm) 14 68,08 81,11 75,79 3,79 4:d (mm) 14 75,08 81,90 78,8,49 Table : The correlation between finger length and competitive performance of basketball players Variables :d 4:d Age(year) r -,135 -,03 p,645,937 Height (cm) r,474,431 p,087,14 Body Weight (kg) r,431,480 p,14,083 BMI (kg/m) r,147,80 p,615,33 Leg length (cm) r,796**,771** p,001,001 Anaerobic power (kg-m/sn) r,331,536* p,48,048 Leg strength (kg) r,47,738** p,18,003 :d (mm) r 1,89** p,000 4:d (mm) r 0,89** 1 p,000 ** p<0,01 * p<0,05 and 4,67±,1 kg/m in average. The shortest leg length at the values regarding the 4D length, the shortest value was 96 cm while the longest being 111 cm and 105,78±4,6 was 75,08 mm while the longest being 81,90 mm and cm in average. In terms of anaerobic power, the lowest 78,8±4.30 mm in average. value was 140,87 kg-m/sec while the highest being 18,87 The Pearson correlation test that was conducted in kg-m/sec and 159,19±11,0 kg-m/sec in average. We also order to identify the power and direction of the correlation observed that the lowest leg strength was 85 kg while the of the d:4d finger length averages of basketball players highest being 157 kg and 13,64±0,87 kg in average. with leg length, anaerobic power and static leg strength When we looked at the values regarding the D length, values revealed a correlation among the variables the shortest value was 68,08 mm while the longest being regarding the relationship of finger length averages of the 81,11 mm and 75,79±3,79 mm in average. When we looked participating basketball players with their leg length, 301

4 Advan. Biol. Res., 9 (5): , 015 anaerobic power and static leg strength values (p<0,01). 1 in all athletes (n=30). Manning and Hill compared the A correlation was found between leg length, anaerobic acceleration times of male sprinters and reported that the power and static leg strength averages of athletes and acceleration time of athletes with lower finger proportion their 4d finger length average (r=0,738) (high testosterone) was shorter than that of athletes with higher finger proportion[18]. Aksu and Çelik suggested DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION that they did not find any significant difference when they compared right hand and left hand finger proportions of Basketball has been a great dynamic with millions of all male athletes and they did not find any significant players and spectators today. Many different scientific difference in dominance of testosterone when they studies have been conducted in order to maximize compared right hand and left hand finger proportions of performance of athletes for many years. In these studies, the athletes who won the competitions with other athletes technical and tactical attributes often came first while [15]. physical, physiological and motor skills also played an In this study, the Pearson correlation test that was important part. Leg strength and anaerobic power conducted in order to identify the power and direction of calculated through vertical jumping as essential elements the correlation of the d:4d finger length averages of that increase sportive efficiency are of critical importance basketball players with leg length, anaerobic power and in basketball. From this perspective, estimating the leg static leg strength values revealed a correlation among the strength and anaerobic power of athletes two important variables regarding the relationship of finger length factors having an impact on competitive performance averages of the participating basketball players with their practically by looking at their d:4d finger length leg length, anaerobic power and static leg strength values. proportions will facilitate coaches to have healthier It was also found that there was a medium-level information about their athletes. In this vein, this study correlation (r=0,536) between 4d finger length averages of found out that there was a correlation between the d:4d basketball players with a finger proportion suggesting finger length proportion and leg strength and anaerobic testosterone dominance and their leg strength while a power in basketball. As we compared the findings of this strong correlation (r=0,738) with anaerobic power. study with findings of other studies in this field, we Manning et al. [19]underlined that skiers with higher observed similarities as well as differences. Aksu et al. testosterone according to their finger proportions had [15] found no significant difference when they compared faster and higher performance. Aksu and Çelik stated that the right hand and left hand finger proportions of athletes individuals with a dominant 4d proportion were more and reported no correlation between body mass index and inclined to sports and more enthusiastic for participating right hand and left hand finger proportions in all athletes. in competitions [15]. Manning et al. found that both male Narin et al. [16] found that the average values of the and female long distance running athletes with lower voluntary participants were,05±1,0 years as age, finger proportion suggesting higher testosterone ran 171,76±8,1 cm in height, 65,35±11,7 kg in weight and faster [0]. Bescos et al. [] stated in a study on a world-,10±0,10 kg/m as body mass index. class female epeeist that athletes with finger proportions Aksu and Çelik suggested that the average finger suggesting testosterone dominance had higher scores proportion of male athletes who won the competitions which are, nevertheless, not statistically significant. Fink was lower than 1 (0,99±0,06) while it was higher than 1 et al. figured out a significant correlation between hand (1,01±0,04) in other male athletes. When the average grip strength and hand finger proportions in sedentary values of right and left hand finger proportions were students [3]. These studies support our findings. evaluated, no significant difference was observed Tetik [7] suggested that there was not any correlation between the athletes who won the competition and other between d:4d finger length averages and competitive athletes (p=0,34). When they compared right hand finger performance in basketball. proportions (p=0,47) and left hand finger proportions As a conclusion, it can be interpreted that the sports (p=0,838) of the athletes who won the competition with success is not 100% associated with testosterone those of other athletes, they reported that there was dominance, or finger proportions does not necessarily no significant difference in neither of the hands [15]. point to the testosterone-oestrogen proportion. Çelik et al. [17]found that the right hand finger proportion Nevertheless, it can also be interpreted, under the light of (0,97±0,04), the left hand finger proportion (0,96±0,03) and this study, that testosterone hormone in human beings is finger average of both hands (0,97±0,03) were lower than correlated to the 4d finger length and athletes with this 30

5 Advan. Biol. Res., 9 (5): , 015 specific finger length would have higher performance. 9. Kondo, T., J. zakany, J.W. Innis and D. Dubouble, In other words, it is considered that athletes displaying high testosterone attributes according to their finger Of fingers, 390: toes and penises. Nature, proportions have a higher performance. Impact of genetic attributes in selection of athletes is widely studied. There are various studies on performance genes and their impact on performance and the number of studies on this subject is constantly increasing. From this point of view, we need similar studies with more subjects and more repetitions. It is considered to be helpful to establish a norm if similar studies are conducted on this topic with more repetitions. 10. Mortlock, D.P. and J.W. Innis, Mutation of HOXA13 in hand-foot-genital syndrome.nat Genet, 15: Baker, F., 009. Anthropological notes on the human hand. Am Anthropol, 1: Manning, J.T., J. Barley, J. Szwed. Walton, DI. Lewis- Jones, R.L. Trivers, D. Singh, R. Thornhil, P. Rohde, T. Bereczkei, P. Henzi, M. Soler and A The nd:4th digit ratio,sexual dimorphism, population differences and reproductive success. Evidence for REFERENCES sexually antagonisttic genes? Evol. Hum. Behav., 1: Sevim, Y., 010. Technique and Tactics in Handball, Ankara: Pelin Offset Tipo Publishing House, pp: 14.. ahin, R., A Comparison of reaction Times of Goalkeepers and Field Players among Male Handball Players. Master s Thesis, Gazi University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Ankara. 3. Okur, F., S. Tetik and H. Koç, 013. An Examination of the Relationship Between Vertical Jumping Performance withcompetition Performance in Basketball Players, Sa l k Bilimleri Dergisi (Journal of Health Sciences), (): Çimenli, Ö., 011. The Determine Of Effect Of Plyometrics Training Program Applied On Different Floors On The Jumping Capacity Of Volleyball Players, Master s Thesis, Eciyes University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Kayseri. 5. Pehlivan, Z., An Evaluation of Physical and Physiological Attributes of Athletes who won the titles in Turkish Women s Premier Leagues of Basketball, Handball and Volleyball in Master s Thesis, Gazi University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Ankara ( ). 7. Herault, Y., N. Fraudeau, J. Zakany, D. Duboule and U.I. Ulnaless, A regulatory mutation inducing both loss-of-function of posterior Hoxd genes. Development, 14: Peichel, C.L., B. Prabhakaran and T.F. Vogt, The mouse Ulnaless mutation deregulates posterior HoxD gene expression and alters appendicular patterning. Development, 14: Manning, J.T. and R.P. Taylor, 001. Second to fourth digit ratio and male ability in sport: Implications for sexual selection in humans. Evol. Hum Behav., : Pheasant, S., Anthropometrics: introduction. BSI Education. Milton Keyness, pp: Aksu, F.A. and A. Çelik, 010. Effects of digit ratio of master athletes on sporting achievement levels, Dokuz Eylül University Journal of Medical Faculty, 4(3): Narin, S., D. Demirbüken, S. Özyürek and U. Eraslan, 009. Relationship of the grip and pinch strength of the dominant hand with anthropometric measurements of forearm. Dokuz Eylül University Journal of Medical Faculty, 3(): Çelik, A., F. Aksu, M. Tunar, E.N. Da dan Ada and H. Topaço lu, 010. The relationsi p between physical performance levels and the digit ratio of master athletes, Dokuz Eylül University Journal of Medical Faculty, 4(1): Manning, J.T. and M.R. Hill, 009. Digit Ratio (D:4D) and Sprinting Speed in Boys, Am. J. Hum. Biol., 1: nd th 19. Manning, J.T., 00. The ratio of. to 4 digit length and performance in skiing. J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 4: Manning, J.T., L. Morris and N. Caswell, 007. Endurance running and digit ratio (D:4D): implications for fetal testosterone effects on running speed and vascular health. Am J. Hum. Biol., 19: Paul, S.N., B.S. Kato, J.L. Hunkin, S. Vivekanandan and T.D. Spector, 006. The big finger-the second to fourth digit ratio (D:4D) is a predictor of sporting ability in females. Br J. Sports Med., 40:

6 Advan. Biol. Res., 9 (5): , 015. Bescos, R., M. Esteve, J. Porta, M. Mateu, A. Irurtia 5. Honekopp, J., J.T. Manning and C. Muller, 006. and M. Voracek, 009. Prenatal Programming of Digit ratio and physical fitness in males and females: sporting success: associations of digit ratio (D:4D), evidence for effects of prenatal androgens on a putative marker for prenatal androgen action, sexually selected traits. Horm Behav, 49: with world rankings in female fencers. J. Sports Sci., 6. Manning, J.T., 00. Digit ratio. A pointer to fertility, 7: behavior and health. New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers 3. Fink, B., V. Thanzami, H. Seydel and J.T. Manning, University Press, pp: Digit ratio and hand-grip strength in German 7. Tetik, S., 015. Examination of relationship between and Mizos men:cross-cultural evidence for an d: 4d digit (finger length) ratios and competition organizing effect of prenatal testosterone on performance of athletes, Master s Thesis, Eciyes strength. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 18: University, Institute of Medical Sciences, 4. Aksu, F., H. Topaço lu, C. Arman, A. Ataç and Department of Physical Education and Sports, S. Tetik, 009. Neck Circumference and :4 Digit Ratio Kayseri. in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction. Turkiye Klinikleri J. Cardiovasc. Sci., 1: