Hand Anthropometry of Medical Students: Applications in Stature Estimation, Sex Estimation and Ergonomics

Abstract

Background and Aims: The increasing role of industrialization and technological advancement has highlighted the importance of hand anthropometry for ergonomic design, productivity, human comfort, and forensic stature estimation. Stature varies among races and it is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to establish the relationships between the dimensions of hand and stature among students, and also to examine the applicability of hand anthropometry in stature and sex estimations among the population as well as its applicability in the ergonomic designs of hand tools and devices. Study Design: A cross sectional analytical study for predictive modeling. Place of Study: The study was conducted in the collage of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewe Campus, Nigeria.  Methodology: A total of 400 subjects of Nnamdi Azikiwe University medical students (200 male and 200 females) between the ages of 18-30 who gave informed consent participated in the study. The subjects were without any hand deformities or deformities affecting body height. The hand lengths of both sides were measured with the help of a digital vernier caliper; stature was measured following standard protocol.  Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.00. Results: The mean stature for the study population was 178.28 ± 7.21 (males) and 67.13 ± 6.90 (females). Males were observed to have significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean values in stature, digits lengths (1-5) and hand breadth than females. Considering the right and left hands, the most prevalent hand type was dolichocheir (40.5% and 41% respectively). The least hand type was hyperbrachycheir (0.5% on the right, 1% on the left). Significant sex difference in the prevalence of hand types was observed; females were associated with Hyperdolichocheir and Dolichocheir while Mesocheir, Brachycheir and Hyperbrachycheir associated more with males. The best models for the estimation of stature in males and females were those provided using right 3rd digit length (RH3) and right 4th digit length (RH4) respectively. On the left hand, the best model was provided using LH5 for the males and LH3 for the females. Conclusion: Hand dimensions and hand index are good indicator of sexual dimorphism; stature estimation and hand dimension can be applied in ergonomics designs of hand tools and devices for the study population to enhance efficiency, comfort and safety.