FURTHER EVIDENCE OF AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LOW SECOND-TO-FOURTH DIGIT RATIO (2D:4D) AND SELECTION FOR THE UNIFORMED SERVICES: A STUDY AMONG POLICE PERSONNEL IN WROCŁAW, POLAND

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sławomir Kozieł ◽  
Marek Kociuba ◽  
Raja Chakraborty ◽  
Aneta Sitek ◽  
Zofia Ignasiak

SummaryMales and females differ in their preference for occupations and sporting activities, and differ also in risk-taking attitudes. In addition to other explanations, prenatal hormone exposure has been implicated in these gender-associated differences. The ratio of the relative lengths of the second-to-fourth digits (2D:4D) is a proxy indicator of prenatal exposure to testosterone relative to oestrogen. The 2D:4D ratio has been found to be associated with choice of occupation, particularly among females. This study investigated whether 2D:4D differed between police officers and a control group of civilians in Wrocław, Poland. Participants were 147 male and 55 female police officers and 91 male and 75 female civilian controls. The police officers had to undergo rigorous physical ability tests during recruitment and their job bore relatively higher risk, whereas the controls had a normal civilian lifestyle. Height, weight, hand grip strength and lengths of the second and fourth digits were measured. Analyses of variance and covariance were employed to assess the significance of difference in digit ratio between groups (police officers and civilians) allowing for interaction with sex. The policewomen, compared with the female controls, were taller and had stronger hand grip strength, but had lower 2D:4D in the right hand and average 2D:4D of both hands. However, male and female police officers slightly differed only in the right hand digit ratio but not in the left hand ratio or the average for the two hands. However, the control group showed significant sex differences in all digit ratios with higher (feminine) mean values in females. The study provides further evidence that prenatal testosterone exposure, as reflected in the 2D:4D ratio, might have an association with choice of occupation, particularly among females.

Author(s):  
Anna Burdukiewicz ◽  
Jadwiga Pietraszewska ◽  
Justyna Andrzejewska ◽  
Krystyna Chromik ◽  
Aleksandra Stachoń

The functional preference for the upper limb influences the occurrence of bilateral differences in other segments of the human body. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of the applied fighting technique and targeted physical effort on the occurrence of asymmetry in body musculature and isometric strength in bodybuilders and competitors of selected martial arts. Academic athletes practicing judo (J), jiu-jitsu (JJ), and bodybuilding (BB) were examined. The control group (C) consisted of students who do not practice any sports. The assessment of the body structure was conducted through segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. Moreover, the study took into account the measurements of left- and right-hand grip strength. In judo, the uneven physical exertion of the right and left sides of the body further increases both directional and absolute asymmetry. Bilateral asymmetry of musculature in jiu-jitsu competitors and bodybuilders occurs to a lesser extent. The control group was characterized by cross-asymmetry. So as to avoid the risk of injury of sportsmen, it is important to consistently supervise and correct their body structure, which also includes the symmetrical participation of the active muscle mass in particular segments. The symmetrisation process should be individualized since each particular sportsman has their own side-to-side body morphology.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 587-587
Author(s):  
Abigail Nehrkorn-Bailey ◽  
Garrett Forsyth ◽  
Barry Braun ◽  
Kimberly Burke ◽  
Manfred Diehl

Abstract Based on adult inactivity, a new intervention named AgingPLUS was created, targeting motivational barriers to physical activity. Data come from a pilot study (N = 116), with 56 participants randomized to the AgingPLUS group (Mage = 63.52 years, SD = 7.89 years), and 60 randomized to the active control group (Mage = 63.06 years, SD = 8.30 years). Multi-group linear growth curve analyses examined improvements in hand-grip strength and blood pressure from pretest (Week 0) to immediate (Week 4) and delayed posttest (Week 8). Findings showed that only participants in the AgingPLUS group had significant improvements in hand-grip strength for the right (B = 1.34, p < .001) and left hand (B = 1.73, p < .001), as well as significant reductions in systolic (B = -3.28, p < .05) and diastolic blood pressure (B = -1.92, p < .01). These findings provide support for the efficacy of AgingPLUS.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Mardones ◽  
Pilar Arnaiz ◽  
Johana Soto-Sánchez ◽  
Juana Saavedra ◽  
Angélica Domínguez ◽  
...  

AbstractThis paper describes a 4-month pilot study that tested the suitability of a physical activity intervention for first graders (children aged 6 and 7 years) in a public school in Santiago, Chile. Teachers were trained to deliver the programme in the classroom during the school day. Teachers were surveyed to determine if this intervention fit within their curriculum and classroom routines and they reported in a focus group that it was suitable for them. All children actively participated in the programme and positive changes in their attitudes towards physical activity were observed by their teachers. Anthropometrics, blood pressure and hand grip strength were measured in the students. A significant reduction was observed in children with high waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile, and in mean systolic blood pressure. However, statistical power values for those comparisons were rather low. Anthropometry and hand grip strength were not modified. The latter calculations and the lack of a control group are showing the weaknesses of this pilot study and that further research with a larger sample size and an experimental design is strongly needed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 196
Author(s):  
Sezer S Yonca ◽  
Çelikel B Engin ◽  
Yücel A Serdar ◽  
Karadağ Mustafa ◽  
Savucu Yüksel

The aim of this research is to evaluate the change in the hand grip strength of the male arm wrestlers before and after a unit of exercise. The participants of the research consist of sportsmen (n=16) of Fırat University arm wrestling team in 18-25 age group.Within the scope of the research, all of the tests and measurements (age, length, body weight, sports age, hand grip strength) were carried out on the experimental group before they started training and the same tests were repeated just after the exercises. A unit of exercise program consisted of warm up, cool down, and 5 sets of weight lifting with 12 repetitions and intensity of 70% that were in that day’s plan and program applied by the trainer.While descriptive statistics were adopted in the statistical analysis, to identify the significance level between the hand grip strength before and after the exercise paired sample t-test analysis was used. The significance level was shown as α = 0.05 in the analyses. While the right hand grip strength of the sportsmen (n=16) was statistically significant at 51.1062 ± 1.69709 before and 49.0437 ± 1.71770 (p=0.000) after the exercise, the left hand grip strength was statistically significant at 46.9000 ± 1.16179 before and 45.8063 ± 1.30078 (p=0.000) after the exercise.In conclusion, it was observed that there is a statistically significant negative decline in the hand grip strength of the arm wrestling sportsmen after a unit of exercise and it can be said that it is because of the exhaustion expected after the exercise.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72
Author(s):  
Robin Orr ◽  
Anthony Rofe ◽  
Ben Hinton ◽  
Jay Dawes ◽  
Gianpiero Greco ◽  
...  

Police officers may be required to use their firearms in self-defence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between hand grip size and strength with pistol shooting accuracy in police officers. Twelve (age = 38.08 ± 6.24 years; height = 174.42 ± 7.33 cm) police officers had their hand sizes (palm width and hand span) and hand grip strength measured. Handgrip dynamometer was set at a Glock 17 pistol's grip width (50 mm). The officers fired 10 rounds from their service pistols at a stationary target. Independent samples t-tests were performed to identify differences between the sexes. Correlations were used to investigate relationships between measures of hand size, strength, and marksmanship. Alpha levels were set at p < 0.05. Male officers were significantly stronger (p = 0.01) and had a bigger hand width (p = 0.03), but not hand span. There were no significant differences in marksmanship between the sexes. Neither hand size nor grip strength had a significant impact on marksmanship even though there were strong and significant relationships between hand size (span and MCP) and grip strength. A V-shaped curve appears to exist between grip strength and marksmanship and hand span and marksmanship, with a potential influencing factor being the standard sizing of the pistol grip.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regan Standing ◽  
Russ Best

Polo is an equestrian team sport consisting of four players per team, with level of play determined by cumulative player handicap (−2 to +10 goals), with a higher handicap denoting a better player. There is minimal literature investigating Polo players’ physical attributes, hence the understanding of the physical characteristics that may contribute to an improved handicap are unknown. This study sought to identify the relationship between pertinent strength measures (left and right hand grip strength; absolute and relative isometric mid-thigh pull) and reaction time in Polo handicap in 19 New Zealand Polo players, and ascertain whether handicap could be predicted by these measures. Correlation coefficients were expressed using R values, accompanying descriptors and 90% confidence intervals (C.I.). Variance explained was expressed via the R2 statistic, and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Right hand grip strength, isometric mid-thigh pull values were found to significantly correlate to and explain variance within Polo player handicap (all moderate to large correlations; p < 0.05). Whereas left hand grip strength (R: 0.380; 90% C.I. −0.011 to 0.670) and reaction time (0.020; −0.372 to 0.406) were non-significant, moderate and trivial correlates and predictors of handicap respectively. Practically, these findings highlight the differing roles between rein and mallet hands of Polo players and emphasise the importance of a strong and stable platform when riding and striking the ball. Lack of association with reaction time may be explained in part by higher handicapped Polo players employing a more proactive approach to the game.


2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-57
Author(s):  
Swapan Kumar DEY ◽  
Sangita PAL

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese. A proper and systematic use of physical training can enhance physiological improvement. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of formal training programs on different physical and physiological profiles of prepubescent tribal boys at different age group. The study was conducted on 69 young boys who were divided into three subgroups i.e. Group-I (n=23, age=9.3±0.19), Group-II (n=18, age=10.1±0.86), Group-III (n=28, age=11±0.22) according to their chronological age. All the boys were inducted in Tripura sports school having formal training of 18 months. Another 64 boys were also chosen as control group (sedentary in nature) from the same community. They were also divided into three subgroups as per their respective test groups. All the boys including sedentary groups belong to similar socio-economic status and dietary habits. Tests were conducted three times in 18 months duration on test groups and twice in control groups to evaluate the height, weight, hand grip strength, body fat%, endurance ability, speed ability, explosive power of the lower extremities and hemoglobin% of all the boys. The result of the present study revealed that almost all the parameters were increased significantly in all three test groups after 18 months duration, except body fat% which was found to be changes insignificantly in group II boys. When the comparison was made among the groups, it was observed that in pre training, all the parameters were changed significantly at p<0.01 & body fat% at p<0.05 level except 800m run and standing broad jump (SBJ) respectively. Significant differences were also observed following 18 months of training in height, hemoglobin percent, 800m run at the level of p< 0.05 and weight, hand grip strength, 30m flying start, aerobic capacity, SBJ at p<0.01 levels, except body fat% which was found to be statistically insignificant. All the parameters were found to be more in Test group-III as compared to other two groups. Prior to training no such significant differences were observed in above parameters with respect to control group. Following 18 months of training, a significant difference was found with respect to control group in all parameters except height, weight (Gr-I & Gr- II) & body fat%. However the increase in above anthropometric and physiological parameters may only because of the augmenting effect of training or due merely because of their growth & development. It has been reported that moderate physical training is necessary for normal growth & development and it is more pronounced in the subject who belongs at the trigger point of adolescence. So it may be concluded that under same nutritional status the effect of formal training is more effective in higher age group as compared to the lower age group. 本文旨在探討印度部落兒童,透過運動訓練而影響的體型及生理變化。邀請了69名兒童進行評估及比較,結果顯示: 大部份體型及生理指標有明顯的增長。


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e023845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Anette Kornstad Nygård ◽  
Ingunn Mundal ◽  
Lisbeth Dahl ◽  
Jūratė Šaltytė Benth ◽  
Anne Marie Mork Rokstad

IntroductionAge-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle function (sarcopenia) leads to a decline in physical performance, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. Nutritional supplements may delay the progression of sarcopenia. The aim of this randomised, double-blinded controlled trial including 100 participants (≥65 years) is to assess the effect of a marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) on sarcopenia-related outcomes like hand grip strength, physical performance or gait speed and to study the associations between physical performance and nutritional intake and status.Method and analysisThe intervention group (n=50) will receive 3 g of MPH per day in 12 months. The control group (n=50) receive placebo. Assessments of Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand grip strength, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment, dietary intake, supplement use, biomarkers of protein nutrition and vitamin D, and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), will be performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of intervention. Linear mixed models will be estimated to assess the effect of MPH on SPPB, hand grip strength and quality of life, as well as associations between physical performance and nutrition.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the Regional Committee in Ethics in Medical Research in Mid-Norway in September 2016 with the registration ID 2016/1152. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media, broadcast media and print media.Trial registration numberNCT02890290.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Julian Mutz ◽  
Thole H. Hoppen ◽  
Chiara Fabbri ◽  
Cathryn M. Lewis

Background Anxiety disorders are leading contributors to the global disease burden, highly prevalent across the lifespan and associated with substantially increased morbidity and early mortality. Aims The aim of this study was to examine age-related changes across a wide range of physiological measures in middle-aged and older adults with a lifetime history of anxiety disorders compared with healthy controls. Method The UK Biobank study recruited >500 000 adults, aged 37–73, between 2006 and 2010. We used generalised additive models to estimate non-linear associations between age and hand-grip strength, cardiovascular function, body composition, lung function and heel bone mineral density in a case group and in a control group. Results The main data-set included 332 078 adults (mean age 56.37 years; 52.65% women). In both genders, individuals with anxiety disorders had a lower hand-grip strength and lower blood pressure, whereas their pulse rate and body composition measures were higher than in the healthy control group. Case–control group differences were larger when considering individuals with chronic and/or severe anxiety disorders, and differences in body composition were modulated by depression comorbidity status. Differences in age-related physiological changes between females in the anxiety disorder case group and healthy controls were most evident for blood pressure, pulse rate and body composition, whereas this was the case in males for hand-grip strength, blood pressure and body composition. Most differences in physiological measures between the case and control groups decreased with increasing age. Conclusions Findings in individuals with a lifetime history of anxiety disorders differed from a healthy control group across multiple physiological measures, with some evidence of case–control group differences by age. The differences observed varied by chronicity/severity and depression comorbidity.


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