Is Arm Span an Accurate Measure of Height in Young and Middle-Age Adults?

Abstract

Height is used to determine many important clinical measurements, but height may be difficult or impossible to measure accurately in some patients. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of arm span as a measure of height in young and middle-age adults. A sample of 83 people between the ages of 20 and 61 years participated in this anthropometric study. Height and arm span were measured with a metal rule. A prediction equation was derived from regression analysis. Arm span is a valid measure of height in young and middleage adults, and the accuracy is improved when using the prediction equation.