symmetry and running speed

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1

TI: Symmetry and performance in middle distance runners.

AU: Manning JT; Pickup LJ

AB: Deviations from perfect symmetry in paired traits such as ear size and nostril width may indicate developmental instability and/or short-term fluctuations in hormones. In both cases symmetry is thought to be optimal and to indicate high phenotypic quality. The purpose of this work was to determine the relationship between symmetry and performance in middle-distance runners. Fifty male subjects participated in this study. Deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry were measured in seven traits; ear size, nostril width, 2nd to 5th digit length and wrist width. After measurements were made the subjects were ranked for athletic ability and they reported their best 800 metre and 1500 metre times. Symmetric subjects had higher rankings for athletic ability (nostrils, p<0.001 and ears, p<0.001), lower best 800 metre times (nostrils, p<0.05 and ears, p<0.01) and lower best 1500 metre times (3rd digit, p<0.01 and ears, p<0.05) than asymmetric subjects. This conclusion remained essentially the same after Bonferroni adjustment for multiple tests and when experience and age were controlled for in multiple regression tests. We conclude that symmetry in traits such as nostrils and ears indicates good running ability. It may therefore be useful in predicting the future potential of young athletes.

MAIN MESH HEADINGS: *Anthropometry *Running

SO: Int J Sports Med 1998 Apr;19(3):205-9

So as you get faster do you become more symmetrical?

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I think complete symetry is impossible. And since symetry has got a lot to do with genetics I’m not with using it anyway. I believe that if someone wants to do something and he’s got whatever problems ( genetic I mean ) then he will have absolutly no problem. There are a lot of unmeasured factors in training like will!!! We can measure height, weight, leg length etc… Then we start assuming whether he can do it or not. But there are a lot of thinks that we can’t measure that if would be measured could overcome a lot of other draw backs. I do believe in that its all to do with what a person wants and how bad he’s ready to strive. If you have the will and dedication the rest is just nothing!