Prediction of the Height of the Esan Ethnic Group of Nigeria, Using Armspan Length

This study was carried out to determine the average value for the stature, arm span and arm span stature ratio of the Esan ethnic group. It was also carried out to determine the correlation between the stature and arm span, and to establish a formulae for estimation of height using the armspan of the adult Esan ethnic group, as well as to determine if there are sexual dimorphism in these parameters. Six hundred subjects ( 600 Esan's) 300 males, 300 females(between the ages 18-50years), were used for this study. The location where this study was carried out were: College of Education Igueben, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Auchi Polytechnic Auchi, Ekekhen Community, Uromi Community and New Benin City. The morphological measurements were stature (height) and arm span length.The mean and standard deviation of height of the males and females were 176.19±7.09 cm and 167.36±6.92cm. It was observed that the Esan males had a significantly higher height than the Esan females (p<0.05). The mean and standard deviation of arm span length of the males and females were 187.30±8.41cm and 173.75±8.47 cm. It was observed that the males of the Esan males had a significantly larger arm span length than their females (p<0.05). The mean and standard deviation of Arm Span Stature Ratio for males was 106.31±2.18cm and; while, for females, it was 103.81±2.42cm, it was also observed that, the males had a significantly higher values than that of the females (p<0.05).A regression formula for estimation of stature was established from arm span length of the subjects. When comparing the result in this study and works of previous authors, there were ethnic and racial differences in these parameters. These values will be of clinical and forensic anthropological significance when dealing with the Esan people.

Key Words: Arm span , Clinical,Esan, Stature