Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN 2671-5651
eISSN 2671-566X
    Korean J Phys Anthropol. 2015 Dec;28(4):197-203. Korean.
    Published online Dec 30, 2015.
    https://doi.org/10.11637/kjpa.2015.28.4.197
    Copyright © 2015 Korean Association of Physical Anthropologists
    Original Article

    Change of Second to Fourth Digit Ratio according to Age in Korean Children

    Keun-Ja Cho,1,2 and Sooil Kim3,4
      • 1Department of Emergency Medical Service, Kongju National University, Korea.
      • 2Research Center for Health Industry, Kongju National University, Korea.
      • 3Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Korea.
      • 4Research Institute for Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Korea.
    • Correspondence to: Sooil Kim (Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University), Email: sikim@cnu.ac.kr
    Received November 20, 2015; Revised December 08, 2015; Accepted December 09, 2015.

    Abstract

    The 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D : 4D) reflects exposure level of sex hormones in fetal period. The aim of this study is to identify a change of digit ratio according to age and a critical age showing gender difference in Korean children. This study was done on 1,182 children (588 males, 594 females). Data were collected by measuring index and ring finger length on both hands by photocopy. The data were analyzed using SPSS win 21.0. This study showed that the 2nd and 4th finger length and digit ratio of both hands increased with age both male and female. There was no differences in 2nd to 4th digit ratio between males and females until they were 3 years old. However, there were significant differences in 2nd to 4th digit ratio between males and females from the age of four. The results suggest that digit ratio in Korean children increases with age and a critical age showing gender difference is from the age of four.

    Keywords
    Digit ratio (2D : 4D); Korean; child; age; change

    Figures

    Fig. 1
    This is a graph showing changes of right second to fourth digit ratio according to age between males and females.

    Fig. 2
    This is a graph showing changes of left second to fourth digit ratio according to age between males and females.

    Tables

    Table 1
    Distribution of the sample according to gender and age (N=1,182)

    Table 2
    Characteristics of second and fourth finger length according to gender and age in right hand (N=1,182)

    Table 3
    Characteristics of second and fourth finger length according to gender and age in left hand (N=1,182)

    References

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    MeSH Terms
    Child*
    Female
    Fingers
    Gonadal Steroid Hormones
    Hand
    Humans
    Male
    Metrics
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