Human Body Density to Estimated by Anthropometric Factors

Abstract

The present study attempts to find suitable regression equation to predict of body density from anthropometric indices. Multiple regression and factor analyses were applied to measured body density and other anthropometric indices such as height, weight, girths and skinfold thicknesses (SFT). The data from one hundred and eleven male college students were used. Of these students, 76.6% were atheletic sports players. Body density was calculated on a body weight and a body mass which measured by an underwater weighing in the swimming pool. Main findings are as follows;1. The factor analysis variables were age, height, weight, body density, girths of chest, waist, buttocks, upper arm and thighs, and SFT of triceps, subscapular, lateral of the abdomen, front of the thigh and calf. The eigenvalues of factors one to three were over 1.0, and accounted for 76.1% of the cumulative contribution rate (coefficient of determination). Factor one indicates body size in relation to body build and muscular development. Factor two indicates subcutaneous fat on extremities, and factor three trunk fat. Factor loading of body density was highest for the latter two factors.2. Stepwise multiple regression analyses to estimate body density gave subscapular SFT for the first, chest girth for the second, lateral abdomen SFT for the third variable. The remaining variables were calf SFT, girths of buttocks and waist, age, front thigh SFT, weight, upper arm girth, height, thigh girth and triceps SFT. Chest and buttocks girths and body weight were considered variables in the present regression equation. The second variable for chest girth is a result which differs significantly from those previously reported.3. The multiple linear regression equation isYc=1.004045-0.000668⋅X1+0.000481⋅X2-0.000473⋅X3where X1 is subscapular SFT, X2 is chest girth, and X3 is lateral abdomen SFT. Body density estimates using this equation by 0.054 (21.1%) more accurate if the coefficient is used as the guideline.