Maturational Sequence of Growth in Upper Extremity Dimensions among Garhwali and Jaunsari Rajput Females of Dehradun, Uttarakhand

The present study attempts to evaluate the progression of maturation in the three sub-segments (upper arm, forearm and hand length) of the upper extremity among pre-adolescent and adolescent females of a tribal group and a non tribal group sharing common environment. A total of 1319 females (664 Garhwali and 655 Jaunsari Rajput ) in the age range of 8 to 18 years have been measured for upper arm length, forearm length, hand length and stature, following standard techniques recommended by Weiner and Lourie (1969). Analysis of data clearly reveals the existence of both cephalo- caudal and caudo- cephalic directions of maturation. The existence of multiple gradients is also observed at different age groups within the sub-segments of upper extremity in both the populations. At 16 years, the upper arm length and at 17 years the forearm length among the Garhwali females have attained complete maturation, while in Jaunsari females the forearm length and hand length achieve complete maturation at 17 years.