An Observational Study on the Association Between Body Mass Index and the Palpability of Selected Anatomical Surface Landmarks in Adults
Abstract: Background: Anatomical surface landmarks are essential for clinical examination, anatomical education, and various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Their palpability may be influenced by increased subcutaneous adipose tissue associated with higher Body Mass Index (BMI).1-4 Aim: To evaluate the association between BMI and the palpability of selected anatomical surface landmarks in overweight and obese adults. Materials and Methods: A observational study was conducted on 100 adults aged 18-60 years, including 50 overweight participants (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and 50 obese participants (BMI 30.0-33.0 kg/m2) according to World Health Organization criteria. The clavicle, acromion process, medial epicondyle of the humerus, styloid process of the radius, facial artery, and brachial artery were assessed by palpation. Palpation pressure (PP) and searching effort (SE) were graded on a three-point ordinal scale (+, ++, +++). Since BMI was a continuous variable and PP/SE were ordinal variables, Spearman's rank correlation was used for statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between BMI and palpation pressure for all anatomical landmarks (Spearman's ρ = 0.917-0.927, p
Keywords: Anatomical surface landmarks, Body Mass Index, Palpation, Surface anatomy, Clinical anatomy, Obesity, Overweight, Rachana Sharir
How to Cite?: Dr. Yogeshwar N. Deshpande, Dr. Siddhesh Kale, Dr. Anwaya Isal, Dr. Kuwar Toshniwal, "An Observational Study on the Association Between Body Mass Index and the Palpability of Selected Anatomical Surface Landmarks in Adults", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 107-113, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26701120117, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26701120117