Correlation of height and maximum overhead reach: Forensic implications from a study of young adults in Sri Lanka

Introduction: Hanging is a common method of suicide encountered in routine forensic practice, and the ability of the victim to access the suspension point is a crucial consideration during the death investigation. Establishing a correlation between an individual’s height and maximum overhead reach (MOR) can provide supportive evidence when determining the circumstances of death in suspected hanging cases.
Objectives: This study aimed to establish a correlation between height and MOR in a cohort of Sri Lankan young adults.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 189 university students (86 males, 103 females) aged 22–26 years, selected through simple random sampling. Standing height was measured barefoot from heel to vertex using a stadiometer. MOR was measured by marking the highest point attained when the participant, standing on tiptoes on one foot, extended the opposite arm overhead to 180°. Measurements were recorded thrice and averaged. A regression equation was formulated to assess the relationship between height and MOR.
Results: The mean height was 168.9 cm for males and 157.1 cm for females, with corresponding mean MORs of 228.9 cm and 213.6 cm. A strong positive correlation was observed between height (H) and MOR in both sexes (Pearson’s r=0.922 in males, 0.895 in females, p<0.001). Regression models demonstrated high predictive accuracy: MOR=1.493H−23.270 (males, R²=0.850) and MOR=0.931H+67.492 (females, R²=0.800). A multiple regression model incorporating height and age (A) yielded the equation MOR=1.240H−0.604A+33.678 (adjusted R²=0.891, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The regression models derived can aid forensic practitioners in assessing whether a victim could reach the suspension point in cases of hanging, although findings should be interpreted alongside circumstantial and autopsy evidence.