# Correlation Between Propulsive Velocity, Maximum Velocity, and Power and the 2D:4D Ratio in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes

**Authors:** Álvaro Fontes da Silva Neto, Felipe J. Aidar, Ângelo de Almeida Paz, Jymmys L. Santos, Raphael Fabricio de Souza, Paulo Francisco de Almeida-Neto, Koulla Parpa, Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinoco Cabral, Anderson Carlos Marçal, Georgian Badicu

PMC · DOI: 10.1155/bmri/8701719 · 2025-02-28

## TL;DR

This study explores how finger length ratios relate to strength performance in Paralympic powerlifting athletes.

## Contribution

The study identifies moderate correlations between 2D:4D ratios and dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting.

## Key findings

- Moderate correlations were found between MPV 45% and 4D (r = 0.551, p = 0.027).
- Power 80% showed moderate correlations with L2 (r = 0.542, p = 0.030).
- No overall correlation was found between 2D:4D ratios and dynamic strength indicators.

## Abstract

Background: Among the strength sports we have Paralympic powerlifting, and the factors that influence strength have been investigated; among them is the relationship between strength and the ratio of the size of the second and fourth fingers of the hand (2D:4D).

Objectives: The study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between the 2D:4D finger length ratio and the dynamic strength indicators, mean propulsive velocity (MPV), maximum velocity (Vmax), and power, with loads of 45% and 80% of one repetition maximum (1RM), in Paralympic powerlifting.

Methodology: Sixteen elite Paralympic powerlifting athletes were evaluated for dynamic strength indicators, MPV, Vmax, and power, with loads of 45% and 80% 1RM. The 2D:4D proportions and correlations between the indicators were evaluated of 2D:2D ratios and dynamic strength indicators.

Results: Moderate correlations were found between MPV 45% and 4D (r = 0.551, p = 0.027), between MPV 45% and R-L 2D:4D diff. (r = −0.595, p = 0.015), between power 80% and L2 (r = 0.542, p = 0.030), and between MPV 45% and R-L 2D:4D (r = −0.585, p = 0.017). There was also a moderate correlation between power 80% left 2D (r = −0.542, p = 0.030). However, no correlation was found between the 2D:4D ratios and dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting.

Conclusion: The 2D:4D ratio presents a moderate correlation with dynamic strength indicators in Paralympic powerlifting athletes, where the ratios with the velocity of 45 of 1RM can be used as a predictor but with caution.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** lower limb malformations (MESH:D038061), injuries (MESH:D014947), fatigue (MESH:D005221), spinal cord injuries (MESH:D013119), poliomyelitis (MESH:D011051), aggressive behavior (MESH:D010554), disabilities (MESH:D009069), arthrogryposis (MESH:D001176)
- **Chemicals:** estradiol (MESH:D004958), testosterone (MESH:D013739), caffeine (MESH:D002110)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11991830/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11991830