Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2017 | Short communication
Comparative study on three different methods for arm-span measurement: the Japan environment and Children’s study pilot
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 1/2017
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
Arm span is an important measure for the assessment of growth and hormone deficiency diseases. In an epidemiological survey, with a large number of subjects’ indicators, it is especially valuable to establish methods which can measure both quickly and accurately. However, there are various methods, and the length of arm span may vary according to the medical institution.
Methods
The arm span of nine 6-year old subjects was measured using two institutional standard methods, A and B, and a third method C which is an improved method and has been used for the first time in this study. A, No-Wall, with heels together the child stretches the arms out to the sides. B, Wall & No-Line, the child stands against the wall with heels together and spreads the arms against the wall. C, Wall & Line, the method is the same as B except a paper with horizontal lines is placed on the wall. We measured twice by each method.
Results
The difference between the 1st and 2nd measurements was marginally significantly smaller by using method of C.
Conclusion
The method C, which we improved, is the best way to measure arm span.