Human Body Proportion Experiment: Correlation Between Height and Wingspan

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if an individual’s height could accurately be predicted by their wingspan. The researcher measured the wingspan and height of 21 individuals and found that the mean wingspan was .75 inches less than the mean height. This experiment somewhat supported the hypothesis that the ratio of an an individual wingspan to height was 1:1.

Background

According to Hibbert the height of an individual can be estimated using their wingspan with a 1:1 ratio (p. 657). Conversely, Chhabra’s findings stated that the wingspan of an individual was a 5-6% greater than their height and recommended using a regression analysis graph based on the height to wingspan ratio instead (p. 99). De Lucia found that ethnicity also affects the reliability accuracy of this prediction (p.95). Despite the variances, these authors generally agree that an individual’s wingspan has a significant correlation to their height and can be used, in some form, to estimate height.

These ratios are important to the medical community because obtaining an accurate height is not always possible. According to Foreman, “Length or height is fundamental in calculating BMI and body surface area and in estimating medication dosage, blood pressure, renal function, and pulmonary function” (p. 144). This ratio is particularly helpful when applied to the elderly, amputees, or individuals with spinal conditions that could make measuring height difficult or uncomfortable.

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment is to determine in general belief that a person’s wingspan is equal to their height. The results could lead to the ability to calculate an individuals height for medical purposes even if an amputation or physical deformity are present.

Hypothesis

The wingspan of an adult equal to their height. Adult is defined as over 18 years of age and wingspan is measured from the tip of the middle finger on the left hand to the tip of the middle...