There is limited research available about the relationship between forearm and foot lengths. The articles we found were about the relationship between body proportions and motor skills performance, ergonomics and the golden section rule.
Using keywords such as “foot length”, “forearm length”, “anthropometry”, “body proportions” and “ergonomics”, the following relevant literature was selected through a search on the EBSCO MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL databases; Google and Google Scholar Search Engine.
Using keywords such as “foot length”, “forearm length”, “anthropometry”, “body proportions” and “ergonomics”, the following relevant literature was selected through a search on the EBSCO MEDLINE and EBSCO CINAHL databases; Google and Google Scholar Search Engine.
- 1 book
- Anthropometry by Miller, F.P, Vandome, A.F., McBrewster, J. (2010)
- 3 original investigations
- The ergonomic relevance of anthropometrical proportions by Küchmeister, G., Behrenbruch, K., Ursula, P., & Leyk, D. (2009).
- Biomechanical considerations for cycling interventions in rehabilitation, by Johnston, T. (2007).
- Estimation of stature from dimensions of hands and feet in a North Indian population by Krishan, K. & Sharma, A. (2007).
- 3 popular articles
- The Golden Section and the Human Body by Jovanic, R. (2003).
- The Human Hand and Foot by PhiPoint Solutions, LLC. (2011).
- Leonardo on the Tarot by Place, R.M. (2000).
- 3 online forums
Anthropometry refers to the measurement of the human individual in order to understand variations in human physique. Statistical data about the dimensions of body segments are used to optimize product design, ergonomics and architecture. Changes in the distribution of body dimensions are impacted by changes in lifestyles, nutrition and ethnic composition of the population; and therefore, require regular updating of anthropometric data collections (Miller, Vandome & McBrewster, 2010).
According to Jovanic (2003), the golden section is found to be a unifying and universal criterion for beauty; which can be found in art, architecture and even in the structure of the human body. For example, the hand creates a golden section in relation to the arm where the ratio of forearm to the hand is 1.618 or Phi (PhiPoint Solutions, 2011). Similarly, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man shows that that there is a strong relationship between the hand and the foot; demonstrating a golden proportion (Place, 2000).
In some online forums, we also came across discussion threads about the use of forearm length as an approximated measure of foot length for the purpose of buying shoes. However, we were unable to find studies done solely on the lengths of forearms and feet to support this popular belief. Therefore, our group seeks to investigate the relationship between the forearms and feet lengths based on the above findings.