Dermatoglyphic profile of physical strength in Brazilian Paralympic power lifters

The objective of this study was to identify dermatoglyphic characteristics and the quality of the physical strength in high-performance para-athletes in the supine power lifting category. This study included ten male athletes aged between 18 and 40 years who had qualified for the Brazilian Regional Championships. The athletes were randomly distributed into the following three groups: group 1 (n = 4) comprising athletes with the best results for relative strength, group 2 (n = 4) comprising athletes with intermediate results for relative strength, and group 3 (n = 2) comprising athletes with the lowest results for relative strength. To determine the strength potential of the athletes, the one repetition maximum test was chosen, and to identify their genetic profile their fingerprints were analyzed by the method of Cummins and Midlo using paper and ink. The data showed no homogeneity between the groups. Group 1 showed a higher genetic predisposition and better results for the quality of their physical strength. These results indicate that dermatoglyphics may be an important tool to identify and guide athletes according to their genetic potential.