Using 2D: 4D digit ratios to determine motor skills in children

Y. Wang, H.-L. Wang, Y.-H. Li, F.-L. Zhu, S.-J. Li, H. Ni

Institute of Pediatric Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. yunwangsz@126.com

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• Pediatrics

In past few decades, there has an outburst of research surrounding second to fourth finger digit ratio (2D:4D) and its relation to prenatal sex steroids including both testosterone and estrogen. In utero, testosterone and estrogen are responsible for the differences in digit ratio between the genders. Recent research has tried to extend past the influence of steroids and look at the potential effect of digit ratios on fine and gross motor skills in children. We compiled the current understanding of the connection between sex hormones and the development of the 2D:4D ratio as well as the effect the ratio has on motor skills. There seems to be a significant positive correlation between 2D:4D digit ratio and precision of fine motor skill. In addition, there is a negative correlation between 2D:4D ratio and speed of fine motor activity.

In this review, we will outline the use of 2D:4D ratio as a biomarker for prenatal sex steroids and through that, a proxy marker for fine and gross motor skills.

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