PERBANDINGAN TINGGI BADAN DAN RENTANG TANGAN PADA ANAK USIA SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

Background: Arm span (AS) is the most accurate and reliable body parameter to predict the height (Ht) of an individual, especially for children with disability or deformity in lower extremities and children who were hospitalized. Age, sex, and ethnic differences were associated to height. This confirmed the necessity to acquire specific height equation based on arm span for Indonesian people. Aim: The objective of this research was to determine the correlation between height and arm span of school-aged children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with observational analysis. This research was held from April until May 2015.Minimal sample for this study was 29 subjects and total number of subject was 335 subjects. Height and arm span were measured directly from subjects with stadiometer and calibrated ruler. The data were statistically analyzed with Pearson and Spearman test, and then a linear regression analysis was performed to acquire height equation. Results: Equations for boys aged 6-12 years old were Ht = 15.615 + 0.879 AS (r = 0.956, R2 = 91.7%) and Ht = 17.108 + 0.869 AS (r = 0.972, R2 = 94.9%) for girls. Specific equations for 7 years old boys were Ht = 30.547 + 0.750 AS and Ht = 29.476 + 0.764 AS for girls. Specific equations for 8 years old boys were Ht = 24.119 + 0.801 AS and Ht = 28.660 + 0.771 AS for girls. Specific equations for 9 years old boys were Ht = 26.190 + 0.801 AS and Ht = 16.356 + 0.869 AS for girls. Specific equations for 10 years old boys were Ht = 12.218 + 0.906 AS and Ht = 11.347 + 0.918 AS for girls. Specific equations for 11 years old boys were Ht = 26.117 + 0.801 AS and Ht = 22.269 + 0.833 AS for girls. Specific equations for 12 years old boys were Ht = 31.881 + 0.773 AS and Ht = 50.476 + 0.648 AS for girls. Conclusion: Arm span has a significant correlation with height. Specific equations for each group of age and sex were clinically significant to estimate height based on arm span as predictor. Key Words: Anthropometry, height, arm span, school-aged children