Correlation between stature and arm span: A prospective regional study in South Gujarat

When actual measurement of stature cannot be done, other surrogate parameters can be used to predict stature. Stature in clinical medicine and in the field of scientific research can be easily estimated using various anthropometric parameters like arm span, knee height, foot length and breadth etc. Arm span has been proven to be one of the most reliable predictors. Thus, this study was undertaken to estimate the stature from arm span using regression equation and to determine correlation between stature and arm span. The present study was carried out in the Department of Forensic medicine and Toxicology, Govt. Medical college, Surat, Gujarat. Our study consisted of 252 autopsy cases. The stature and arm span were measured directly using anthropometric technique and measuring tape. The data collected were recorded and analysed with Statistical package for the Social Science (SPSS) 23. Regression equations were derived for stature estimation and the relationship between stature and arm span was determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. The Pearson correlation coefficient of arm span with the stature along with Pearson's Correlation Co efficient (r), SEE and p value were 0.9, 0.025 and 0.000 respectively. Body height correlates well with the arm span so it can be used as a reliable marker for stature estimation using regression equation.