Sudip Datta Banik1. 1. Departamento de Ecologia Humana, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados (Cinvestav) del Instituto Politecnico Nacional Mérida, Antigua carretera a Progreso km 6, Mérida 97310, Yucatan, Mexico. sdbanik@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the interrelationship between height and arm span and also to estimate nutritional status from arm span. METHODS: In an anthropometric survey conducted among the Dhimals (227 males and 223 females, total = 450) of Naxalbari in West Bengal, India, measurements were recorded in age groups ranging between 10-59 years. RESULTS: Males were taller and had longer arm spans than females. The height-arm span ratio was 0.98-0.99, indicating height to be slightly less than arm span in both sexes. High correlation between these two dimensions was also observed. Regression equations provided a good model for estimating height from arm span (predictor). In all age groups of both sexes, values of standardized coefficient beta exhibited high significance (p ( 0.001). Residuals showed no pattern and were random. No significant difference between height-based body mass index or BMI (body weight/height(2)) and estimated arm span-based BMI (body weight/arm span(2)) was observed in any age group. CONCLUSION: Arm span was found to be an effective surrogate measure for BMI.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand the interrelationship between height and arm span and also to estimate nutritional status from arm span. METHODS: In an anthropometric survey conducted among the Dhimals (227 males and 223 females, total = 450) of Naxalbari in West Bengal, India, measurements were recorded in age groups ranging between 10-59 years. RESULTS: Males were taller and had longer arm spans than females. The height-arm span ratio was 0.98-0.99, indicating height to be slightly less than arm span in both sexes. High correlation between these two dimensions was also observed. Regression equations provided a good model for estimating height from arm span (predictor). In all age groups of both sexes, values of standardized coefficient beta exhibited high significance (p ( 0.001). Residuals showed no pattern and were random. No significant difference between height-based body mass index or BMI (body weight/height(2)) and estimated arm span-based BMI (body weight/arm span(2)) was observed in any age group. CONCLUSION: Arm span was found to be an effective surrogate measure for BMI.
Authors: Kalaiselvi Selvaraj; R Jayalakshmy; Arjumand Yousuf; Arvind Kumar Singh; Gomathi Ramaswamy; C Palanivel Journal: J Family Med Prim Care Date: 2017 Apr-Jun