Ape index

Unlike the dimensionless ratio, this calculation produces a numeric value in the units of measurement used to represent the height and arm span.

However, the authors of this second study noted that the findings may have been due to the low variability in the index between the climbers, who all had significantly higher ape indices than those found in the control group.

Thus they left open the possibility that the ape index may be more significant when there is a greater degree of equivalence between the other traits under consideration.

[6] Similarly, in a later work it was found that the ape index was statistically significant, and thus determined that it was one of several variables that provided the highest diagnostic value in the prediction of climbing performance.

[8] A notable example is Michael Phelps whose arm span is 10 cm greater than his height, affording him an index of 1.052.

[10] One notable NBA player with an ape index below 1 is Desmond Bane, whose wingspan of 6' 4" is less than his height of 6' 5"; he has been nicknamed "T-Rex" for this reason.

[11] Despite this perceived deficiency, Bane has become a quality player since being selected 30th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2020 NBA draft out of TCU.

[13][14] However, research has shown that the ape index cannot predict who wins or loses MMA bouts, an individual's divisional ranking, or whether or not they are successful in their technique use.