ObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of arm-associated height estimation methods in the
calculation of true height compared with stretch stature in a sample of young South
African adults.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive design was employed.SettingPietermaritzburg, Westville and Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 2015.SubjectsConvenience sample (N 900) aged 18–24 years, which included an equal
number of participants from both genders (150 per gender) stratified across race
(Caucasian, Black African and Indian).ResultsContinuous variables that were investigated included: (i) stretch stature; (ii) total
armspan; (iii) half-armspan; (iv) half-armspan ×2; (v) demi-span; (vi) demi-span
gender-specific equation; (vii) WHO equation; and (viii) WHO-adjusted equations; as well
as categorization according to gender and race. Statistical analysis was conducted using
IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21.0. Significant correlations were identified between
gender and height estimation measurements, with males being anatomically larger than
females (P<0·001). Significant differences were documented when
study participants were stratified according to race and gender
(P<0·001). Anatomical similarities were noted between Indians
and Black Africans, whereas Caucasians were anatomically different from the other race
groups. Arm-associated height estimation methods were able to estimate true height;
however, each method was specific to each gender and race group.ConclusionsHeight can be calculated by using arm-associated measurements. Although universal
equations for estimating true height exist, for the enhancement of accuracy, the use of
equations that are race-, gender- and population-specific should be considered.