Authors :
Ashish Joseph; Lenin Thomas
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4mxm8448
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/4jmy9cdy
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar296
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
The purpose of this study was to examine whether fingerprint ridge density could serve as a potential
morphogenetic marker for talent identification among discus throwers. Thirty male discus throwers aged 18–25 years
from Mahatma Gandhi University participated in the study. Thumb fingerprint impressions were collected using a
standard ink method, and ridge density (ridges/cm²) was calculated. Discus throw performance was assessed by measuring
the best throwing distance in meters using a standardized measuring tape procedure. Descriptive statistics (mean and
standard deviation) and Pearson’s product–moment correlation were computed using SPSS version 25 to determine the
relationship between thumb fingerprint ridge density and throwing performance. The results revealed that the mean
discus throw performance was 45.28 ± 2.33 meters, while the mean thumb fingerprint ridge density was 14.56 ± 2.24
ridges/cm². A statistically significant strong positive correlation was found between thumb fingerprint ridge density and
discus throw performance (r = .68, p = .01). The findings indicate that athletes with higher ridge density tended to achieve
greater throwing distances. The study concludes that fingerprint ridge density, a stable dermatoglyphic trait formed
during prenatal development, may serve as a non-invasive and congenital biomarker associated with athletic
predisposition in power-oriented events such as discus throw. Although causality cannot be established, the results provide
preliminary evidence supporting the integration of morphogenetic markers into talent identification programs,
particularly in resource-limited settings. Further research with larger samples and diverse athletic populations is
recommended to validate these findings.
Keywords :
Fingerprint Ridge Density, Dermatoglyphics, Morphogenetic Marker, Talent Identification, Discus Throw Performance, Athletic Predisposition, Sports Genetics.
References :
- Abdelmalek, A., & Alwotayan, R. (2020). Dermatoglyphics and its relationship with sports performance: A review. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 19(4), 617–624.
- Bhat, S. V., & D’souza, V. (2019). Dermatoglyphics: A review on its application in sports science. International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education, 4(1), 1505-1508.
- Gomes, M. S., & de Almeida, F. Q. (2021). Morphogenetic markers in athlete selection: A new frontier for talent identification. International Journal of Sports Science, 11(2), 45-51. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.sports.20211102.01
- Hökelmann, A., Blaser, P., & Scholz, M. (2018). Dermatoglyphics in sports medicine: A literature review. German Journal of Sports Medicine, 69(5), 155-161. https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2018.331
- Kapkan, O. O. (2015). The relationship between dermatoglyphic indicators and physical abilities of athletes. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 15(3), 513–518. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2015.03077
- Mukherjee, D. P. (2012). Dermatoglyphics: A review and its application in sports. International Journal of Applied Sports Sciences, 24(1), 1-12.
- Prado, W. L., & Balasekaran, G. (2022). Talent identification in sports: The role of genetics and anthropometry. Sports Biomechanics, 21(3), 255-270. ttps://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2020.1750685
- Sahoo, S., & Kshatri, J. S. (2020). Dermatoglyphics in sports: A tool for talent identification. International Journal of Health, Physical Education and Computer Science in Sports, 37(1), 1-5.
- Vaeyens, R., Lenoir, M., Williams, A. M., & Philippaerts, R. M. (2008). Talent identification and development programmes in sport: Current models and future directions. Sports Medicine, 38(9), 703–714. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838090-00001
The purpose of this study was to examine whether fingerprint ridge density could serve as a potential
morphogenetic marker for talent identification among discus throwers. Thirty male discus throwers aged 18–25 years
from Mahatma Gandhi University participated in the study. Thumb fingerprint impressions were collected using a
standard ink method, and ridge density (ridges/cm²) was calculated. Discus throw performance was assessed by measuring
the best throwing distance in meters using a standardized measuring tape procedure. Descriptive statistics (mean and
standard deviation) and Pearson’s product–moment correlation were computed using SPSS version 25 to determine the
relationship between thumb fingerprint ridge density and throwing performance. The results revealed that the mean
discus throw performance was 45.28 ± 2.33 meters, while the mean thumb fingerprint ridge density was 14.56 ± 2.24
ridges/cm². A statistically significant strong positive correlation was found between thumb fingerprint ridge density and
discus throw performance (r = .68, p = .01). The findings indicate that athletes with higher ridge density tended to achieve
greater throwing distances. The study concludes that fingerprint ridge density, a stable dermatoglyphic trait formed
during prenatal development, may serve as a non-invasive and congenital biomarker associated with athletic
predisposition in power-oriented events such as discus throw. Although causality cannot be established, the results provide
preliminary evidence supporting the integration of morphogenetic markers into talent identification programs,
particularly in resource-limited settings. Further research with larger samples and diverse athletic populations is
recommended to validate these findings.
Keywords :
Fingerprint Ridge Density, Dermatoglyphics, Morphogenetic Marker, Talent Identification, Discus Throw Performance, Athletic Predisposition, Sports Genetics.
