Arm span

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.

Measurement[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.