Arm Length Measurement Test
The measurement of arm length is the distance from the tip of shoulder to the tip of the little finger. It is a simple though important measure in the anthropometrical profiling of athletes for certain sports. See also the similar arm span measurement, which is a measure of the total distance from one fingertip to the other.
purpose: Long arms are advantageous for some sports which involve reaching and tackling.
equipment required: ruler or tape measure.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Ensure that the subject is adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject stands with the arms hanging loosely by the side of the body, fingers outstretched. A measurement is made from the acromiale (lateral edge of the acromion process, e.g. bony tip of shoulder) to the tip of the little finger. Measurement is made on the right side, following the anthropometric standard, though a measurement of either side would be assumed to be the same in most cases.
advantages: it is a very low cost, simple and quick test to perform.
other comments: It is important for the subject to fully stretch out the fingers to get the maximum length. This test is used at the AFL Draft Camp
Similar Tests
- See also the similar test arm span measurement
Related Pages
- More about girth measurement
- Buy tape measures
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