The Carrying Angle of the Ibo and Yoruba Ethnic Groups of Nigeria and its Relationship with the Height of Individuals

Abstract

The  carrying angle of  five  hundred and four students (275 males and 229 females) of the Ibo and  Yoruba  ethnic group of Nigeria were measured  using an improvised  goniometer. The age range of the subjects was  between 18 and 35 years so as to minimize changes  due to aging. Carrying angle was measured  from both upper limbs, right and left. Height was measured  using a mechanical measuring  rod.

Results showed a mean carrying  angle 17.63⁰± 0.25 and 15.05⁰ ± 0.24 for right and left sides respectively  in males and  18.67⁰ ±0.35 and 16.64⁰ ± 0.33 for right and left sides respectively  in females of  Ibo ethnicity. The mean carrying angle for the Yoruba ethnic group is 15.35⁰ ± 0.35 and 13.25⁰ ± 0.35 for right and left sides respectively for the males and 17.57⁰ ± 0.39 and 15.55⁰ ± 0.37 for right and left sides respectively  for the females.  There were significant differences   between the different sides of the upper limb, between the two ethnic groups and also between  the two sexes at P< 0.05. The Ibo ethnic group had higher carrying angles than the Yoruba ethnic  group. The carrying angle  of the right upper limb was significantly higher  than the left upper limb at p<0.05 and the females had significantly  higher carrying angles  at P<0.05 than their male  counterparts. The mean height for the Ibo males and females is 1.71m ± 0.01 and 1.62m ± 0.01 respectively and for the Yoruba males and females, 1.69m ± 0.01 and 1.59m ± 0.01 respectively. There was no particular relation between the height of an individual and the carrying angle.

Keywords: Carrying angle, height, gender, ethnic group.