Arm span as a proxy measure for height and estimation of nutritional status: A study among Dhimals of Darjeeling in West Bengal India

作者：Datta Banik Sudip

来源：Annals of Human Biology, 2011, 38(6): 728-735.

DOI：10.3109/03014460.2011.616227

• Stature
• arm span
• nutritional status
• body mass index

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.

• 出版日期2011-11