Dermatoglyphic profile and physical potentialities of Mexican elite swimmers: Comparison by swimming distances

Objective: This study aims to reveal, through digital impressions, the predominant physical potential of elite Mexican swimmers compared to the speed and endurance tests in which they participate. Method: The sample consisted of 55 Mexican elite swimmers, 27 sprint swimmers and 28 endurance swimmers. It was measured through the computerized dermatoglyphic method (Nodari-Júnior, 2009; Nodari-Junior and Heberle, 2014), according to the protocol proposed by Cummins and Midlo (1961). Results: it was found that the group of swimmers in speed tests have a higher frequency of Ulnar Loops (LU), while the group of swimmers in endurance tests has a higher frequency of Whorls (W) and a higher count of lines in both hands (SQTL), which is consistent with greater resistance. Conclusion: There is a relationship of the ulnar loops (LU) with the different speed tests in swimming, as well as the whorls (W) and total line count with the endurance tests, which coincides with what is reported in the scientific literature.