Height estimation of an individual from forearm length in medical students

Background: Height is an important parameter of human in anthropology and forensic medicine. We can measure the height of an individual from forearm length (FAL). In this study, we found the relationship between FAL and height in medical students. Aims and Objective: The objective of the study was to find co-relation between FAL and height of the individuals (male and female medical students) and to obtain regression formula to determine the height from FAL. Materials and Methods: Height and FALs were measured in 200 medical students of 17–22 years age (100 males and 100 females) of N.R.S Medical College, Kolkata. For finding, the relationship between height and FAL linear regression analysis was used. Results: In our study, average height of the female students was 158.64±5.28 cm, whereas in male students average height was 168.97±6.33 cm. Mean FAL has been 26.63±1.72 and 23.72±1.44 cm, respectively, in case of male and female students. Difference of the mean height and mean length of forearm values between female and male students was statistically significant. The correlation coefficient (r) between height and FAL of dominant side has been, respectively, +0.93, +0.96, and +0.97 in case of male, female, and total students. According to the linear regression, there was a relation between height and FAL. Conclusion: From our study, it is evident that we may estimate the height of a person from measurement of FAL. In future studies may be carried out to estimate height of an individual from other body parameters also.