Dermatoglification Analysis for Selection and Training of Sports Talents

Abstract

The term sports talent can be defined as the individual who, through his inherited and acquired conditions, has a special ability for sports performance, above the average of the general population. Fingerprints are genetic markers and can function as indicators of sporting talents. The objective of the present study was to use dermatoglyphics to identify the genetic-physical profile of soccer athletes. Twenty-four athletes belonging to the Palmeiras Sports Society Athletes' Capture Center participated in this study in the Nordeste sub-category category 16. The dermatoglyphic protocol of Cummins and Midlo (1961) was used. Standard fingerprint indices were calculated: the number of drawings for the 10 fingers and the delta index (D10). We also analyzed the types of digital formulas that indicate the representation in individuals of different types of drawings. Based on the classification of Fernandes (2002), the group presented somatofunctional classification for height, velocity and explosive strength, due to the delta index of 11.54. We conclude that dermatoglyphics can be a parameter to identify the potentiality of an individual and can be incorporated into a policy of selection and formation of sports talent.