Características dermatoglíficas e nível de flexibilidade de escolares de 8 a 17 anos do município de Joaçaba/SC

The objective of the study was to verify the dermatoglyphic characteristics and the level of flexibility of schoolchildren aged 8 to 17 years in the municipality of Joacaba / SC, comparing the profile of boys and girls. A total of 1,869 students, 922 boys and 947 girls, were investigated. For data collection, the dermatoglyphic reader was used for recording, processing and analysis of fingerprints and the sit and reach test with Wells and Dillon bench for flexibility evaluation. The results showed that the mean values of whorl (W), sum of the total number of lines (LQ) and Radial Spine (LR) were higher for males, whereas the values of ulnar (LU) and flexibility were higher for females. It can be concluded, in relation to dermatoglyphics, that the male sex would have greater potential for aerobic resistance and motor coordination, while female sex would have greater potential for speed, strength and flexibility.