Evaluation of the golden ratio in young adult bodies

Abstract

Golden ratio has been used for many years in architecture, art, mathematics, geometry, medicine and many other fields of science. 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. The aim of this study was to investigate the golden ratio value through anthropometric measurements of various areas of the body of adults. The study was conducted including 77 students (age, 18-25 years). Anthropometric measurements were performed using a Martin type anthropometer, sliding calliper, anthropometric compass, T square and measuring tape. Golden ratios reported in the literature were compared with the golden ratios obtained through measurements. 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 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.