Dermatoglyphic characteristics of Chinese professional table tennis players

Abstract

To perform dermatoglyphics analysis and to explore the possible relationships between dermatoglyphic characteristics and sports level of Chinese table tennis players. A total of 92 Chinese professional table tennis players were recruited and divided into ordinary group and excellent group according to their levels. Their dermatoglyphic patterns on the palms and fingers were collected and statistically analyzed. Our results showed that the data revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the ordinary group and the excellent group in terms of atd angle, thenar eminence, total number of a-b ridges and double loop whorl, while no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in concentric whorl, arch pattern and loop pattern. In conclusion, these findings may provide experimental evidence for the application of dermatoglyphic analysis as a tool for future selection of elite table tennis players.

Keywords:
table tennis player; dermatoglyphic characteristics; athlete selection; physical growth; thenar eminence