ABSTRACT

Background: Height measurement is frequently used anthropometric techniques in medical practice to evaluate health status. The measurement of height is encumbered by deformities of joint of spine, or muscle weakness. Numerous anthropometric studies had been conducted using different segments of the body as a surrogate height measurement such as arm span and ulna length.

Methods: This study aims to identify the correlation and establish linear regressions for the estimation of height from arm span and ulna length in Malaysia adolescent population. Males (n= 175) and females (n= 211), aged 13, 14 and 16 years old, without disability were recruited from Selangor schools. Height, arm span and right and left ulna lengths were measured. Results: Prediction equations for height based on arm span, ulna lengths and age were generated using regression analysis. For males, Estimated height (cm) = 0.707(arm span) + 1.212 (age) +28.281 ± 3.56; Estimated height = 2.333(left ulna length) + 2.399(age) + 67.878 ± 5.750; Estimated height = 2.435(right ulna length) + 2.097(age) + 69.667 ± 5.757. For females, Estimated height = 0.658(arm span) + 0.863(age) + 40.107 ± 3.49; Estimated height = 1.752(left ulna length) + 1.479(age) + 90.648 ± 5.393; Estimated height = 1.786(right ulna length) + 1.480(age) + 89.663 ± 5.375. Arm span showed a higher accuracy compared to ulna length based on R square value. However, ulna measurement appears to be surpassed arm span measurement when deformities exist according to other literatures.

Conclusion: The overall study is beneficial in predicting height of adolescent with deformities when standing height is difficult to be measured.

Keywords: Anthropometric; height prediction; Malaysian adolescent; arm span; ulna length