Hand size influences exercise

Overall, the more active mice had a higher ratio of the length of the digit finger divided by the ring finger.

The results indicate a strong association between digit length, voluntary exercise and high levels of prenatal stress hormones, said the University of Alberta and University of California, Riverside researchers, United Press International reported.

Hand shape influences behavior, personality
They found that prenatal stress, rather than prenatal testosterone levels in the womb, plays a role in a natural desire for physical activity.

"The research shows a link, or relationship, between the brain, behavior and personality traits and the shape of the hand," lead researcher Peter Hurd, of the University of Alberta, said in a news release, UPI reported.

"It opens the door to the notion that aspects of one's personality, in this case the desire to exercise, are fixed very early in life."

The study appears in the journal PLoS One. – (HealthDay News, September 2008)

Read more:
Working with hands helps brain