For centuries, palm readers and mystics have said your life is mapped out on your hand. And while you might be sceptical, a new study has revealed that your hands could actually reveal some secrets, such as our athletic potential. The researchers have revealed a trick to indicate whether you would thrive in endurance events, such as a marathon or long-distance cycling (Picture: Getty)

What did the researchers do?

The researchers, from the University of South Australia (UNISA) and the University of North Dakota, looked at 22 studies, which covered 5,293 participants and 12 countries. They found that a lower digit ratio, so when a person's ring finger (third finger from thumb) is longer than their index finger (finger next to thumb), it suggests that they are better at endurance performance (Picture: Getty)

What does this mean?

Well, simply put, someone with longer ring fingers than index fingers may perform better in endurance sports like marathons or long-distance cycling. These individuals are likely to have better exercise tolerance, meaning the level of physical activity someone can endure before experiencing excessive fatigue. They are also likely to have enhanced endurance performance, meaning they have the ability to sustain moderate to high intensity exercise for long periods (Picture: Getty)

Bethany Gower, from the University of South Australia, said: ‘Measuring and comparing finger lengths might seem like a novelty, but research shows that this is a proven and biologically sound method for identifying muscle strength – and now, endurance performance. Our research found that digit ratio is significantly linked to exercise tolerance, which reflects the highest intensity of exercise you can tolerate for a long time before it becomes too challenging to continue’ (Picture: Getty)

Why is this finding significant?

Gower explains: ‘It's a significant finding that could help coaches and sports scientists identify talent, or help recreational athletes better understand their endurance potential.’ The finding, which has been published in the American Journal of Human Biology, supports previous studies which indicate a longer ring finger is linked to better strength and fitness, as well as increased focus (Picture: Getty)

So when does the digit ratio form?

Professor Grant Tomkinson, also from UNISA, said that digit ratios are determined during early development in the womb. He added: ‘Greater exposure to testosterone in the womb has been linked with the development of lower digit ratios, which could influence a person’s ability to exercise intensely. It also has short-term benefits in later life by helping “charge” the endocrine system to respond to challenging situations, like intense exercise, by suddenly spiking testosterone levels. This could manifest as people having stronger body systems or organs that physically improve their ability to tolerate intense aerobic exercise, or as a stronger psychosocial, competitive response to being challenged when exercising’ (Picture: Getty)

How to check if you have a lower digit ratio

So, essentially, you’re born with it. But if you are curious to see if you have a lower digit ratio, it’s super easy to check. All you have to do is look at your fingers. Dr Gower said: ‘Digit ratio is easy to measure – just compare the length of your index and ring fingers of your hand. If your ring finger is longer, you’ve got a lower ratio. You never know – your fingers might just reveal you’re built for endurance’ (Picture: Getty)