Correlation of handedness with hand anthropometric measurements in Haryanvi Brahmins

Abstract

IntroductionAnthropometric studies have revealed that in comparison of the two halves of the human body, the values belonging to the right half are different than those of left half. This is due to effect of directionality and degree of handed preference, a functional property of hand, on anthropometric measurement of hand in healthy individual. In the present study, the aim is to provide authentic database on hand anthropometric measurements in Haryanvi Brahmins and to study its co-relation with handedness. MethodsThe present study was conducted on 300 Haryanvi Brahmins (150 of either sex of age 18 years) and above. Three hand measurements: hand length, hand breadth and shape index were taken with a digital sliding caliper. Handedness was determined according to Edinburgh Inventory which evaluates the direction and degree of hand preference. ResultsThe mean values of hand parameters were significantly different between males and females, right handers and left handers. Hand breadth and shape index were found to be greater in the right hand in strong and weak right hand preference groups in Haryanvi Brahmins. DiscussionLeft hand preference groups displayed irregular and heterogenous characteristics with regard to hand parameters. When correlation between laterality score and hand parameters was examined no specific hand measurements were found to be indicators of hand preference in Haryanvi Brahmins.