UPPER BODY SEGMENT LENGTHS AS A PROPORTION OF HEIGHT IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Most research studies in biomechanics directly measure body segment lengths via anthropometry or digitization of joint markers. There are circumstances in which estimating segment lengths in relation to height is desirable, such as in biomechanical modelling or in the classroom. One commonly used model for this purpose is that by Drillis and Contini (1966; cited in Winter, 2005). One problem with this model is that the initial data was derived from adults, and thus has potentially limited applicability to the study of biomechanics in children. The purpose of the present study was to compare actual selected upper body segment lengths measured via anthropometry to those predicted by Drillis and Contini and also to derive regression equations for those segment lengths based on height and age (separately for males and females).