Predicting height from arm measurements

Abstract

Height measurement is required to standardize measures of physical capacity (e.g., pulmonary function) and to adjust drug dosage in the physically disabled. To estimate height in wheelchair-bound patients, we examined the relation of four different upper extremity measurements to height in 119 normal individuals aged 0.5-56 years. Regression analysis was performed for each of the following: (a) interacromioclavicular distance, (b) upper arm, (c) lower arm (cubit), (d) arm span; with height. Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.937, 0.967, 0.975, and 0.989, respectively, were obtained (accuracy +/- 5%, 90% confidence interval, for upper and lower arm measurements). We conclude that height can be predicted reliably from arm measurements.