Background: Previous research has reported an inverse association between the second-to-fourth digit ratio(2D:4D), a putative marker of prenatal androgen exposure, and physical fitness and athletic performance. However, the linearity of this relationship and the potential mediating roles of body composition and physical activity remain poorly understood in male youth.
Purpose:This study investigated the association between 2D:4D ratio and physical fitness in boys, while examining whether age, biological maturity, lean mass, and physical activity mediate this relationship.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 218 healthy-boys aged 9–17 years. Participants underwent assessment of left- and right-hand 2D:4D ratios, physical activity, body composition (BMI and fat-free mass), and physical fitness components, including speed, agility, flexibility, and muscular strength. Pearson's correlation, curve estimation, stepwise multiple linear regression, and Sobel's test were used for statistical analyses(p
Afsharnezhad,T and Marzi,A A . (2027). FETAL ANDROGENS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL BOYS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF AGE, MATURITY, LEAN MASS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. (e21488). New Approaches in Exercise Physiology, 9(17), e21488 doi: 10.22054/nass.2026.94353.1246
MLA
Afsharnezhad,T , and Marzi,A A . "FETAL ANDROGENS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL BOYS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF AGE, MATURITY, LEAN MASS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY" .e21488 , New Approaches in Exercise Physiology, 9, 17, 2027, e21488. doi: 10.22054/nass.2026.94353.1246
HARVARD
Afsharnezhad T, Marzi A A. (2027). 'FETAL ANDROGENS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL BOYS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF AGE, MATURITY, LEAN MASS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY', New Approaches in Exercise Physiology, 9(17), e21488. doi: 10.22054/nass.2026.94353.1246
CHICAGO
T Afsharnezhad and A A Marzi, "FETAL ANDROGENS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL BOYS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF AGE, MATURITY, LEAN MASS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY," New Approaches in Exercise Physiology, 9 17 (2027): e21488, doi: 10.22054/nass.2026.94353.1246
VANCOUVER
Afsharnezhad T, Marzi A A. FETAL ANDROGENS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL FITNESS IN RURAL BOYS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF AGE, MATURITY, LEAN MASS, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. NAEP. 2027;9(17):e21488. doi: 10.22054/nass.2026.94353.1246
