The relationship of 2D:4D finger ratio to cognitive and motor performance in university students: A comparison of single- and dual-task conditions

Abstract

The 2D:4D finger ratio is associated with individuals' cognitive and motor skills. This study examined the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and cognitive and motor performance in university students under single task (ST) and dual task (DT) conditions. Fifty-six healthy volunteers aged 18-25 years participated in this study. The participants' right- and left-hand 2D:4D ratios were measured; cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop and Digit Span tests, and motor performance was assessed using the NHPT and MMDT. In the DT conditions, serial 3's and 7's subtraction tasks were administered along with motor tests. According to the results, a significant negative correlation was found between the left-hand 2D:4D ratio and Stroop A and B test times (p < 0.05). In the NHPT administered together with the serial 7's subtraction task, there was a significant negative correlation between the left hand 2D:4D ratio and completion time (r = -0.305; p < 0.05); In the MMDT, a significant negative correlation was found between the right-hand 2D:4D ratio and DTC (-0.280; p < 0.05). The DTC and RCR values obtained during the NHPT and MMDT differed significantly depending on the type of cognitive task (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that 2D:4D ratio is related to attention, executive function, and manual dexterity.