Right–left digit ratio (2D:4D) predicts free testosterone levels associated with a physical challenge
Deutscher übersetzter Titel: | Das Fingerlängenverhältnis (2D:4D) ermöglicht eine Vorhersage über den freien Testosteronspiegel in Verbindung mit körperlicher Belastung |
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Autor: | Kilduff, Liam; Cook, Christian J.; Bennett, Mark; Crewther, Blair; Bracken, Richard Michael; Manning, John |
Erschienen in: | Journal of sports sciences |
Veröffentlicht: | 31 (2013), 6, S. 677-683, Lit. |
Format: | Literatur (SPOLIT) |
Publikationstyp: | Zeitschriftenartikel |
Medienart: | Gedruckte Ressource |
Sprache: | Englisch |
ISSN: | 0264-0414, 1466-447X |
DOI: | 10.1080/02640414.2012.747690 |
Schlagworte: | |
Online Zugang: | |
Erfassungsnummer: | PU201403003205 |
Quelle: | BISp |
Abstract
There is evidence that the digit ratio (2D:4D) is a negative correlate of prenatal levels of testosterone, but there is no association between 2D:4D and the circulating levels of both total and free testosterone. Sports provide a physical challenge and participants often show increased levels of free testosterone immediately preceding and during competition. We tested this hypothesis of a link between 2D:4D and testosterone under challenge in 79 professional rugby players using the following procedures; (i) 25 players were physically challenged using a repeated sprint agility test, and saliva samples were assayed for testosterone immediately preceding the repeated sprint agility test (time 1) and 5 minutes (time 2) and 20 minutes after completion of the repeated sprint ability (time 3); (ii) 54 players were also tested for salivary testosterone in an unchallenged condition. We found that right-left 2D:4D was significantly and negatively related to testosterone concentrations at times 1, 2 and 3 following the repeated sprint agility test (P < 0.05) and there was no association between the 2D:4D and basal testosterone levels in the unchallenged group. We suggest that low right–left 2D:4D is a predictive marker of free testosterone responsiveness when trained men are physically challenged, and that this association is programmed by the action of prenatal testosterone. Verf.-Referat