A cross-sectional study on the relationship between arm span and height among adolescents: An anthropometric approach.

Dr. Palla Radha  Krishna

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2247

Authors

Dr. Palla Radha Krishna Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2247

Keywords:

Arm span, Height estimation, Adolescents, Anthropometry, Regression equation, Stature prediction

Abstract

Background

Height measurement is essential in adolescent health assessment, yet it becomes challenging when individuals present with postural abnormalities, trauma, disability, or acute illness. This study evaluated the relationship between arm span and height using a standardized anthropometric approach.

Objective

To determine the association between arm span and height among adolescents and to develop regression equations for height estimation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 100 adolescents aged 13–18 years was conducted. Height and arm span were measured following standard anthropometric protocols. Sex-wise comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests. Pearson’s correlation assessed the strength of association between the two parameters. Linear regression equations were constructed for the total sample and stratified by sex to estimate height from arm span.

Results

The mean age was 15.6 ± 1.7 years, and males constituted 52% of the sample. Overall mean height was 159.8 ± 8.2 cm, while mean arm span measured 161.4 ± 8.7 cm. Both parameters were significantly higher in males (p < 0.001). Most participants demonstrated arm span values exceeding their height. A strong correlation existed between arm span and height in the total group (r = 0.89, p < 0.001), with similarly high correlations in males (r = 0.91) and females (r = 0.87). The primary regression model for the sample was: Height = 24.3 + 0.84 × Arm Span (R² = 0.79). Sex-specific models showed R² values of 0.82 and 0.76 for males and females, respectively.

Conclusion

Arm span is a reliable predictor of height among adolescents and demonstrates strong validity across sexes. The developed regression equations can assist in clinical, field, and resource-limited settings where height cannot be directly measured.

Recommendations

Routine inclusion of arm span measurement is encouraged in adolescent anthropometric assessments. Larger multicentric studies are recommended to enhance the external validity of the predictive equations.

Author Biography

Dr. Palla Radha Krishna, Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana, India

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy at Government Medical College and General Hospital, Jogulamba Gadwal, Telangana. He has extensive teaching and research experience in anatomical sciences and medical education. Before joining GMC Jogulamba Gadwal, he served as an Assistant Professor at Government Medical College, Suryapet, where he contributed to undergraduate training and departmental academic activities. His professional interests include anthropometry, anatomical variations, and applied clinical anatomy. He actively participates in institutional research initiatives and curriculum development. Dr. Radha Krishna maintains an ongoing commitment to academic growth and collaborative research. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5176-546

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