Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, India.
Am J Hum Biol. 2011 Sep-Oct;23(5):674-85. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.21196. Epub 2011 Jun 28.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate directional asymmetry in the most commonly measured dimensions of limbs in adult male Gujjars of North India.
The sample for this study is based on 967 adult male Gujjars ranging in age from 18 to 30 years settled in subHimalayan region in the foothills of Siwaliks surrounding Chandigarh city in North India. The data comprise nineteen anthropometric measurements taken on left and right side of each subject. Gujjars are one of the major caste groups of India having agriculture as the main occupation. This group is also homogeneous in terms of ethnic composition, language, and religious affiliation. Using appropriate statistical methods, the bilateral asymmetry was evaluated in the human body.
The results indicate that significant bilateral asymmetry exists in some of the limb dimensions. Upper extremity dimensions are more asymmetric than that of lower extremity dimensions. Most of the arm dimensions are significantly larger on the right side except hand length and triceps skinfold in younger sample and triceps skinfold in older sample, which are significantly larger on the left side. Most of the upper extremity dimensions are larger on the right side, however; most of the lower extremity dimensions are larger on the left side.
Marked directional asymmetry exists in 13 measurements out of a total 18 taken for the study. This significant right-sided asymmetry may be attributed to the fact that individuals have normal tendency to favor the right side for power activities involving upper limbs, i.e., throwing for distance, sports activities, and in this investigation, working with agricultural tools like Khurpa, Datti, Kassi (Indian agricultural tools) for long durations. More frequent use of the preferred side results in heavier or stronger muscles of that side and consequently heavier and stronger bones.
本研究旨在评估印度北方古吉拉特成年男性四肢最常测量维度的方向性不对称性。
本研究的样本基于 967 名年龄在 18 至 30 岁之间的成年古吉拉特男性，他们定居在印度喜马偕尔邦的次喜马拉雅地区，位于印度北部昌迪加尔市的锡瓦利克山麓。数据包括从每个受试者的左右两侧测量的十九个体型测量值。古吉拉特人是印度主要种姓群体之一，以农业为主要职业。该群体在种族构成、语言和宗教信仰方面也是同质的。使用适当的统计方法，评估了人体的双侧不对称性。
结果表明，一些肢体维度存在显著的双侧不对称性。上肢维度比下肢维度更不对称。除了年轻样本中的手长和三头肌皮褶以及年长样本中的三头肌皮褶外，右侧的大多数手臂尺寸明显大于左侧，而这些尺寸在左侧更大。大多数上肢尺寸在右侧较大，然而，大多数下肢尺寸在左侧较大。
在总共 18 项研究中，有 13 项测量值存在明显的方向性不对称性。这种显著的右侧不对称性可能归因于个体有正常的倾向，即偏向右侧进行涉及上肢的力量活动，例如远距离投掷、体育活动，以及在本次调查中，长时间使用 Khurpa、Datti、Kassi（印度农业工具）等农业工具。惯用侧的频繁使用会导致该侧的肌肉更重或更强壮，从而导致骨骼更重和更强壮。
