Comparison of Height, and Forearm and Lower Leg Lengths between Japanese and Bolivian Elderly Subjects

Abstract

[Purpose] To clarify the characteristics of Bolivians, the height, and forearm and lower leg lengths of Bolivians were measured and compared with those of Japanese. [Subjects] Twenty-eight Bolivians and 40 Japanese aged over 60. [Methods] Using nationality and gender as factors, age, height, and forearm and lower leg lengths as ratios of height were investigated using two-way analysis of variance. [Results] Age was significantly higher for Japanese, and males were significantly taller for both nationalities. The forearm and lower limb lengths expressed as a proportion of height were significantly larger for Bolivian males; mutual interactions were found for neither. [Conclusion] Expressed as ratios of height, Bolivians had longer forearms and lower limb length ratios than Japanese, suggesting ethnic differences. In physical therapy, it will be necessary to consider differences in physique when prescribing assistive aids and the application of morphological measurements.