Anthropometric Assessment of Upper Limb Measurements for Stature Estimation in Undergraduate Students
Joy Wilberforce Ekokodje *
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Rivers state University, Nigeria.
Catherine Chidiebele Anieze
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323 Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Kennis Uchechukwu Uzonwanne
Department of School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, PMB 5323 Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Chinedu Emmanuel Okoye
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Stature is an essential anthropometric parameter required in clinical practice, nutrition assessment, ergonomics, and forensic identification. When direct height measurement is not possible, alternative body measurements such as upper limb dimensions can provide reliable estimates.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between selected upper-limb anthropometric variables and stature and to develop regression models for stature estimation among undergraduate students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 114 healthy undergraduate students (64 males and 50 females). Anthropometric parameters measured included standing height, arm span, shoulder breadth, arm length, forearm-hand length, and hand length. Measurements were taken following standard Anthropometric procedures. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26). Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and simple and multiple linear regressions were used, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The mean stature of the participants was 170.76 ± 9.66 cm, while the mean arm span was 180.31 ± 10.94 cm. Significant gender differences were observed in all anthropometric variables (p < 0.001), with males exhibiting higher mean values in most measurements. Arm span showed the strongest correlation with stature (R = 0.64; R² = 0.415), followed by hand length (R = 0.59; R² = 0.350). Shoulder breadth (R² = 0.103), arm length (R² = 0.081), and forearm-hand length (R² = 0.061) were weaker predictors. The multivariate regression model combining all variables explained 50.9% of the total variation in stature (R = 0.71; R² = 0.509).
Conclusion: Arm span is the most reliable single predictor of stature among the studied population, followed by hand length. The combined regression model provides a moderately accurate tool for height estimation in situations where direct measurement is not feasible. These findings support the development of population-specific anthropometric equations for forensic, clinical, and anthropological applications.
Keywords: Stature estimation, arm span, anthropometry, regression model, upper limb measurements, undergraduate students