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'''Arm span''' or '''reach''' is a measure of the physical reach of a person. It is defined as the distance from one end of an individual's arms (measured at the fingertips) to the other when raised parallel to the ground at shoulder height at a 90° angle. The arm span measurement is usually very close to the person's height.
== Arm Span ==


==Measurement==
[[File:Arm_span_arrow_fix.png|thumb|right|Diagram illustrating arm span measurement.]]
The measurement of the '''arm span''' is taken with the person standing against a wall, arms fully extended at right angles to the body. The distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other is recorded using a measuring tape. This measurement is used in various areas such as health, sports, and fashion.


==Health and Medicine==
The '''arm span''' is a measurement of the length from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other middle finger when the arms are outstretched horizontally. This measurement is often used as an indicator of a person's height and is particularly useful in situations where height cannot be measured directly.
In the field of [[health]] and [[medicine]], the arm span to height ratio is used as a simple method to identify potential cases of [[Marfan syndrome]], a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue. A significantly larger arm span compared to height can be an indicator of this syndrome.  


==Sports==
== Measurement Technique ==
In [[sports]], particularly in [[boxing]] and [[basketball]], a greater arm span is considered an advantage. In boxing, a longer reach allows a boxer to hit their opponent from a safer distance where the opponent may not be able to reach them. In basketball, a longer arm span is beneficial for both offensive and defensive plays.


==Fashion==
To measure arm span, the individual should stand with their back against a wall, arms extended horizontally at shoulder height. The measurement is taken from fingertip to fingertip, ensuring that the arms are fully extended and parallel to the ground. It is important to keep the shoulders relaxed and not elevated during the measurement.
In [[fashion]], arm span is used for sizing of clothes, particularly for shirts and jackets. It is also used in the design of equipment such as gloves and protective gear.


==See also==
== Clinical Significance ==
* [[Human height]]
 
* [[Anthropometry]]
[[File:Arm_span_arrow_fix.png|thumb|left|Arm span can be an indicator of height.]]
 
Arm span is often used in clinical settings to estimate height in patients who are unable to stand, such as those with [[scoliosis]], [[cerebral palsy]], or other conditions affecting mobility. It is also used in the assessment of certain genetic conditions, such as [[Marfan syndrome]], where the arm span may exceed the height.
 
== Arm Span to Height Ratio ==
 
In most individuals, the arm span is approximately equal to their height. However, variations can occur due to genetic and environmental factors. The arm span to height ratio can provide insights into growth patterns and potential health issues. A significantly greater arm span compared to height may indicate underlying medical conditions.
 
== Applications in Sports ==
 
In sports, arm span is often referred to as "wingspan" and is a critical measurement in activities such as [[basketball]], [[swimming]], and [[boxing]]. Athletes with a longer wingspan may have an advantage in reaching, striking, or swimming efficiency.
 
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Height]]
* [[Marfan syndrome]]
* [[Marfan syndrome]]
* [[Boxing]]
* [[Scoliosis]]
* [[Basketball]]
* [[Wingspan (sports)]]


[[Category:Anthropometry]]
[[Category:Anthropometry]]
[[Category:Human height]]
[[Category:Human anatomy]]
[[Category:Sports science]]
[[Category:Clothing sizes]]
{{Anthropometry-stub}}
{{Medicine-stub}}
{{Sports-stub}}
{{Fashion-stub}}

Latest revision as of 10:52, 15 February 2025

Arm Span[edit]

Diagram illustrating arm span measurement.

The arm span is a measurement of the length from the tip of one middle finger to the tip of the other middle finger when the arms are outstretched horizontally. This measurement is often used as an indicator of a person's height and is particularly useful in situations where height cannot be measured directly.

Measurement Technique[edit]

To measure arm span, the individual should stand with their back against a wall, arms extended horizontally at shoulder height. The measurement is taken from fingertip to fingertip, ensuring that the arms are fully extended and parallel to the ground. It is important to keep the shoulders relaxed and not elevated during the measurement.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Arm span can be an indicator of height.

Arm span is often used in clinical settings to estimate height in patients who are unable to stand, such as those with scoliosis, cerebral palsy, or other conditions affecting mobility. It is also used in the assessment of certain genetic conditions, such as Marfan syndrome, where the arm span may exceed the height.

Arm Span to Height Ratio[edit]

In most individuals, the arm span is approximately equal to their height. However, variations can occur due to genetic and environmental factors. The arm span to height ratio can provide insights into growth patterns and potential health issues. A significantly greater arm span compared to height may indicate underlying medical conditions.

Applications in Sports[edit]

In sports, arm span is often referred to as "wingspan" and is a critical measurement in activities such as basketball, swimming, and boxing. Athletes with a longer wingspan may have an advantage in reaching, striking, or swimming efficiency.

Related Pages[edit]