Abstract
A limited number of studies have developed simple anthropometric equations that can be implemented for predicting muscle mass in the local community. Several studies have suggested calf circumference as a simple and accurate surrogate maker for muscle mass. We aimed to develop and cross-validate a simple anthropometric equation, which incorporates calf circumference, to predict appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Furthermore, we conducted a comparative validity assessment of our equation with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and two previously reported equations using similar variables. ASM measurements were recorded for 1262 participants (837 men, 425 women) aged 40 years or older. Participants were randomly divided into the development or validation group. Stepwise multiple linear regression was applied to develop the DXA-measured ASM prediction equation. Parameters including age, sex, height, weight, waist circumference, and calf circumference were incorporated as predictor variables. Total error was calculated as the square root of the sum of the square of the difference between DXA-measured and predicted ASMs divided by the total number of individuals. The most optimal ASM prediction equation developed was: ASM (kg)=2.955×sex (men=1, women=0)+0.255×weight (kg)-0.130×waist circumference (cm)+0.308×calf circumference (cm)+0.081×height (cm)-11.897 (adjusted R2=0.94, standard error of the estimate=1.2kg). Our equation had smaller total error and higher intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values than those for BIA and two previously reported equations, for both men and women (men, total error=1.2kg, ICC=0.91; women, total error=1.1kg, ICC=0.80). The correlation between DXA-measured ASM and predicted ASM by the present equation was not significantly different from the correlation between DXA-measured ASM and BIA-measured ASM. The equation developed in this study can predict ASM more accurately as compared to equations where calf circumference is used as the sole variable and previously reported equations; it holds potential as a reliable and an effective substitute for estimating ASM.
Highlights
No global consensus yet exists on the assessment of muscle mass in the diagnosis of sarcopenia [4], this diagnosis is currently primarily assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a widely used method for estimating muscle mass [1]
We developed and assessed the validity of a simple anthropometric equation for predicting DXA-measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using calf circumference that would be suitable for implementation in the local community setting
We conducted a comparative assessment of the equation developed in our investigation with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and other simple anthropometric equations using calf circumference measurements developed in previous studies [14,15]
Summary
sarcopenia at an early stage among large populations in local communities is of vital importance. no global consensus yet exists on the assessment of muscle mass in the diagnosis of sarcopenia [4], this diagnosis is currently primarily assessed through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), a widely used method for estimating muscle mass [1]. Several studies have suggested positive correlations between calf circumference and DXA-measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and ASM/height, which opens up the possibility of using calf circumference measurements as a diagnostic screening tool for low muscle mass in local communities [6e9]. It is common procedure in standard health examinations to include basic anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, and waist circumference. We aimed to develop and cross-validate a simple anthropometric equation, which incorporates calf circumference, to predict appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
