{"id":635,"date":"2024-02-15T12:48:37","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T12:48:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/?p=635"},"modified":"2026-03-11T08:46:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T08:46:57","slug":"new-study-analyses-link-between-digit-radio-and-oxygen-consumption-in-footballers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/02\/15\/new-study-analyses-link-between-digit-radio-and-oxygen-consumption-in-footballers\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study Analyses Link Between Digit Radio and Oxygen Consumption in Footballers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The efficiency of oxygen supply to tissues is a factor in the severity of important diseases such as Covid-19 and heart conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientists already know that the relationship between the length of a person\u2019s index and ring fingers, known as the 2D:4D ratio is correlated with performance in distance running, age at heart attack and severity of Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now Swansea University digit ratio expert&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swansea.ac.uk\/centenary2020\/century-of-inspiring-people\/john-manning\/\">Professor John Manning<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;has been working with colleagues to look more closely at the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their findings have just been published by the prestigious&nbsp;<em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/ajhb.24047\">American Journal of Human Biology.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The research analysed 133 professional football players as they underwent a series of body measurements which included measuring digit lengths from hand scans. They also completed an incremental cardiopulmonary test to exhaustion on a treadmill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Professor Manning,&nbsp;<\/strong>of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.swansea.ac.uk\/sport-exercise-sciences\/astem\/\">Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) research team<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.swansea.ac.uk\/sports-science\/astem\/\">,<\/a>&nbsp;said: \u201cWith our partners from the Cyprus campus of the University of Central Lancashire, we have clarified the relationship between 2D:4D and oxygen metabolism in a sample of well-trained athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe players with long ring digits (4D) relative to their index digits (2D) have efficient oxygen metabolism such that they reach very high maximal oxygen consumption in an incremental cardiopulmonary test to exhaustion on a treadmill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long ring digits relative to index digits are thought to be a marker of high testosterone levels in the womb. Testosterone has effects on oxygen metabolism through its influence on the energy producers (mitochondria) within cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>He added:<\/strong>&nbsp;\u201cOur findings are consistent with those from distance running, where long 4D is related to high performance, and heart disease and Covid-19 where long 4D is linked to low severity of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOverall, our study illustrates the value of using healthy well-trained athletes to clarify metabolic processes that are important in disease outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team say further work is now necessary to quantify these associations in women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professor Manning\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-022-08646-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">previous research<\/a>&nbsp;has examined how the difference in finger length between a person\u2019s left and right hand may provide vital information concerning outcomes from contracting Covid-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/ajhb.24047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the paper:<\/a>&nbsp;<strong><em>The associations between digit ratio (2D:4D and right \u2013 left 2D:4D), maximal oxygen consumption and ventilatory thresholds in professional male football players<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The efficiency of oxygen supply to tissues is a factor in the severity of important diseases such as Covid-19 and heart conditions. Scientists already know that the relationship between the length of a person\u2019s index and ring fingers, known as the 2D:4D ratio is correlated with performance in distance running, age at heart attack and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":190346150,"featured_media":636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1366],"tags":[1372,1370],"class_list":["post-635","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-sport","tag-technology"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Human__Health_Sciences_727-1.jpg?fit=5183%2C3719&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfwlnl-af","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2691,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/03\/07\/how-footballers-fingers-and-height-can-predict-their-exercise-performance\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":0},"title":"How footballers\u2019 fingers and height can predict their exercise performance","author":"meganchick1","date":"7th March 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"With the\u00a0UEFA Women's Euro just a few months away, attention continues to grow around women\u2019s football. Now new research involving Swansea University is focusing on female professional footballers and the levels of lactate they produce during exercise. Regarded as the preferred fuel for nerve and muscle cells, vigorous exercise results\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wordpress-5.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wordpress-5.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wordpress-5.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wordpress-5.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Wordpress-5.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2098,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/11\/26\/changing-the-game-with-wearable-technology-in-sports\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":1},"title":"Changing the Game with Wearable Technology in Sports\u00a0","author":"meganchick1","date":"26th November 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"The development of wearable tech in the sporting world has revolutionised how athletes train, perform, and prevent injuries. These innovations enable athletes and coaches to gain a competitive edge using detailed data analysis and personalised strategies. From tracking vital signs to analysing movement patterns, wearables have become a vital tool\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Blog&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wordpress.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wordpress.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wordpress.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wordpress.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Wordpress.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1105,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/10\/04\/funded-studentship-opportunity-to-enhance-older-adult-care-using-5g\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":2},"title":"Funded Studentship opportunity to enhance older adult care Using 5G","author":"meganchick1","date":"4th October 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Vodafone has announced a fully-funded PhD Scholarship at Swansea University to explore 5G-enabled 'fit and forget' wearables that will enhance older adult care. The research will leverage 5G technology to develop innovative wearables with the aim of significantly improving the health and wellbeing of older adults. The project aims to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wordpress-Featured-Image-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wordpress-Featured-Image-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wordpress-Featured-Image-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wordpress-Featured-Image-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Wordpress-Featured-Image-2.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":512,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2024\/04\/10\/case-study-new-technology-designed-to-provide-better-faster-lung-transplants\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":3},"title":"Case Study: New Technology designed to provide better, faster lung transplants","author":"meganchick1","date":"10th April 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"In the ever-evolving world, the art of forging genuine connections remains timeless. Whether it\u2019s with colleagues, clients, or partners, establishing a genuine rapport paves the way for collaborative success.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4011,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2026\/02\/23\/advancing-the-improve-hf-programme\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":4},"title":"Advancing the IMPROVE-HF Programme\u00a0to Support Heart Failure Innovation","author":"meganchick1","date":"23rd February 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Building on the momentum\u00a0established\u00a0in last year\u2019s\u00a0pioneering initiative\u00a0led\u00a0by\u00a0Swansea University\u2019s Dr Emma Rees and Dr Aimee Drane, the IMPROVE-HF programme has now entered a new and exciting phase. Supported by the\u00a0NIHR, the project continues to unite healthcare professionals, researchers,\u00a0patients\u00a0and policymakers to drive forward the future of heart failure innovation in Wales.\u00a0 Since\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Wordpress-1.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2865,"url":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/2025\/06\/25\/case-study-tumour-targeting-bacteria-for-safer-smarter-cancer-treatment\/","url_meta":{"origin":635,"position":5},"title":"Case Study: Tumour-Targeting Bacteria for Safer, Smarter Cancer Treatment","author":"meganchick1","date":"25th June 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Professor Paul Dyson and his team at Swansea University are working on methods to selectively deliver treatment only to tumours, avoiding the rest of the body, thanks to funding from the Medical Research Council\u2019s Impact Acceleration Account. Conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while effective, are often accompanied by\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Case Study&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Case Study","link":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/category\/case-study\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/nish.wales\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Wordpress-6.png?fit=1200%2C628&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/190346150"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=635"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":637,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/635\/revisions\/637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nish.wales\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}