Some people are naturally gifted at long-distance running, while others throw in the towel after just the first kilometer. According to scientists, the secret to this difference may be hidden in our fingers. Researchers from the University of South Australia and the University of North Dakota suggest that having a ring finger longer than the index finger could be linked to physical endurance.
According to research, individuals whose ring finger is longer than their index finger tend to perform better in activities that require prolonged physical exertion. Scientists refer to this as a 'low digit ratio,' which is calculated by comparing the lengths of the index and ring fingers.
An analysis examining data from 22 different studies and over 5,000 participants revealed that people with a low digit ratio have greater cardiovascular endurance.
In other words, these individuals are capable of demonstrating superior performance in long-duration sports such as running, cycling, or marathons.
According to experts, the difference in finger length is linked to levels of testosterone in the womb. Individuals who are exposed to higher levels of testosterone in utero typically have a longer ring finger. This hormonal variance can influence physical traits such as muscle strength and endurance.
Professor Grant Tomkinson, who led the research, points out that this condition enables the body to be more resilient to strenuous exercise in adulthood. In other words, hormonal influences in the early stages can determine how much effort the body can tolerate even years later.
Researchers suggest that one's endurance threshold can be estimated by looking at finger length. If your ring finger is longer than your index finger, your body might be more resilient to high-intensity exercises.
However, this doesn't mean that those with shorter fingers are destined to fail in sports. After all, the ratio of finger lengths can change over time and environmental factors also play a role in performance.