Arm Span-Height Ratio Linked to Respiratory Problems

Arm span is regularly used as an alternative measurement for standing height, when measurement of standing height is not possible. New research from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom suggests that the discrepancy between arm span length and actual standing height may be linked to respiratory problems in the elderly. Researchers evaluated the clinical history, physical examination, arm span, standing height, weight, FEV₁ and FVC of 66 patients with a mean age of 71 years. Results showed that an increase in arm span-height ratio was significantly negatively correlated with FEV₁ and FVC and positively correlated with dyspnea. Researchers conclude that the role of arm span measurement in assessing airflow volumes in the elderly deserves further investigation. This study is published in the February issue of the journal CHEST.