Evaluation of the golden ratio in the body of young adults

Golden ratio has been used for many years in architecture, art, mathematics, geometry, medicine and many other fields of science. Artists, scientists and designers shape their research and product designs according to the golden ratio, taking the human body as the example. Designs based on anthropometric data obtained from human anatomy, which is already compatible with the golden ratio by nature, enable the creation of items for human use that are not only physically ergonomic but also perceived as aesthetically pleasing at a spiritual level. In our study, the ratios obtained following length measurements of the torso, hand and face of young adults were compared with the number 1.618. Within the context of our study, we determined that while there are many anthropometric measurement studies regarding the identification of different parts of the body and the estimation of height, age and sex, there are no studies investigating and demonstrating the golden ratio. The aim of this study was to investigate the golden ratio value through anthropometric measurements of various areas of the body of adults. Golden ratio values of the body are significant in plastic or reconstructive approaches as well in orthosis and prosthesis applications. We believe that the results obtained in this study will be beneficial in these areas and set a precedent for future studies on the golden ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted including 77 students from Ankara Başkent University (age, 18–25 years). Demographic information of all students participating in the study was recorded, following which height and weight measurements, along with anthropometric measurements from the torso, hand and face, were obtained from each student. Anthropometric measurements were performed using a Martin type anthropometer, sliding calliper, viii anthropometric compass, T square and measuring tape. Measurements of the upper extremities were performed on both sides. Golden ratios reported in the literature were compared with the golden ratios obtained through measurements. In the study, 10% of all measurements were repeated by the same researcher. RESULTS In the present study, ratios obtained and evaluated following the measurements performed on the torso, hand and face were compared with the 1.618 value. The ratios obtained from measurements of the torso were not close to the golden ratio in either sex. In the same type of comparison performed on measurements of the face, the zy-zy/sto-n value was 1.613 (p = 0.752) and the tr-sn/sto-n value was 1.660 (p = 0.071) in the entire group, regardless of sex; these values were significantly close to the golden ratio. In comparisons with the golden ratios for the upper extremities, the values for the fifth digit/proximal first two articulations in the entire group were significantly close to the golden ratio, regardless of sex. CONCLUSION In the present study, ratios obtained through measurements of different body regions were compared with the golden ratios with an aim to obtain results that could serve as a guide to plastic or reconstructive approaches—especially in the facial region—and to orthosis and prosthesis applications. Keywords: Golden ratio, 1.618, anthropometry This study was approved by the Başkent University, Medical and Health Sciences Research Committee and Ethics Committee on April 18, 2018 (KA18/137; decision number: 94603339-604.01.02) and was supported by the Başkent Research Fund.