Analysis of the Association between Hand Preference, Gender, Eye Dominance, 2D:4D Ratio and Handgrip Strength in Young Healthy Individuals

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the association between hand preference in young healthy individuals and handgrip strength (HGS), (which is accepted to be an objective measurement in the assessment of gender), 2D:4D ratio (ratio of the length of index finger to that of ring finger), eye dominance and upper limb performance. Methods: A total of 198 individuals, 111 males and 87 females, participated in our study. Oldfield Inventory was used to find out hand preference. Baseline hand dynamometer was used to find out HGS. The test developed by Rosenbach was used for determination of the dominant eye. For assessment of 2D:4D ratio, measurement was made starting from the basal fold of the finger to the fingertip. Results: According to the results of the statistical analysis, no significant difference was found between hand preference and 2D:4D (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between eye dominance and hand preference (p<0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between right and left hand preference and right and left HGS of males (p<0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between right hand preference and right and left HGS of females (p<0.05), where significant difference was not found between left hand preference and right and left HGS of females (p>0.05). Conclusions: The association of hand preference with other parameters is important to determine cerebral lateralization. We believe that the result which shows hand preference was directly proportional to eye dominance and HGS means that these parameters can be a guide in determining the dominant hemisphere.