Gudaji & Madaki JOBASFUD_2024_3_1_011
Keywords: Height, Arm span length, Relationship, Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano
2024-08-01 DOI: JOBASFUD_2024_3_1_011
Abstract Background: Anthropometry is the scientific study of human body measurements and proportions. Arm span length is defined as the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other when the arms are outstretched horizontally. Height, on the other hand, is the measure of the distance from the floor to the top of the head. Stature or human height is an important factor in establishing the identity of a person especially in the skeletonized remains, and it varies on the basis of race, sex, and age of individuals. Aim: The present study is undertaken to investigate the relationship between arm span length and height among students of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano. Methods: The study is conducted on 384 students of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano (193 males; 191 females). Results: Sexual dimorphism was observed in arm span length with the males having a higher value than the females (p=0.05). Height and arm span length correlated strongly (r = 0.86; p< 0.01). BMI and weight correlated strongly (r = 0.90; p< 0.01). Weak positive correlation was observed between height and weight (r = 0.28; p< 0.05), arm span length and weight (r = 0.25; p< 0.05) respectively. The relationship between the arm span length and height is statistically significant (p< 0.01). Conclusion: Arm span length is a good predictor of height though the linear regression formula varies with race, age and ethnic group. Therefore, what is obtained in one population may vary with that of another population. In view of this, it is pertinent that each population should have its own formula.