The use of arm span to estimate height among the Urhobos in Delta state of Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of arm span as a measure of height among the Urhobos in Delta State of Nigeria. Methods: The nature and scope of this study encompassed 401 adults (199 males and 202 females) aged 22 to 65 years from the Urhobo ethnic group in Delta State of Nigeria. Data was collected with subjects in the anatomical position. Height and arm span were measured with a stadiometer and calibrated steel tape respectively. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 10.0. Means and standard deviations (SD) were obtained for both anthropometric variables. Results: The results revealed that the mean of the arm span for males and females were 184.56cm and 173.61cm respectively. The mean of the height was 173.0cm for male and 164.6cm for female. Conclusion: The arm span is a valid measure of height among adult Urhobos.