Anthropometric Techniques Research Articles

What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel.

Sergi, TE, Roberts, BM, and Heileson, JL. What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e534-e540, 2024-Body composition standards ensure service members maintain physical fitness, wellness, and support mission readiness. Anthropometric techniques (i.e., height/mass, circumference-based "tape test") have been the primary screening and percent body fat (%BF) assessment method in military personnel for about 4 decades. Recently, the Army and Marine Corps have implemented more advanced body composition assessment methods, such as air displacement plethysmography (ADP), multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to serve as supplemental %BF assessment after failing the tape test. Although supplemental assessments are intended to improve on the accuracy and precision of the tape test, preassessment standardization, specifically regarding acute water ingestion (AWI), is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review was to (a) summarize the available literature regarding the influence of AWI on body composition estimates derived from ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA and (b) provide evidence-based recommendations for researchers and practitioners. Studies indicate that AWI increases %BF estimates with ADP (4 of 6 [4/6] observations) and MF-BIA (6/7), whereas AWI increases muscle mass (6/6) and likely decreases %BF (2/3) when obtained by DXA. In conclusion, ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA are susceptible to confounding from AWI, leading to inaccurate body composition estimates that may negatively affect the careers of military personnel. Based on the findings from this narrative review, military practitioners and researchers should (a) follow manufacturer guidelines for calorie intake [food and fluid] and exercise avoidance, (b) conduct urine-specific gravity testing [if possible], and (c) limit AWI to <250 ml before assessment.

Estimation of Stature from Head Length and Head Breadth in Undergraduate Medical Students: An Anthropometric Study

Background: Height is a significant parameter for growth and development of an individual. The aim of our study is to estimate stature from Head Length (HL) and Head Breadth (HB) in living and to derive the correlation and regression formulae between them. Methods: This is a descriptive study. A total of one hundred and ninety four medical students, presently studying at Devdaha Medical College and Research Institute, aged between eighteen and twenty four years were selected as the subjects for the present study. Two skull measurements namely head length and head breadth were taken by following standards- Anthropometric methods and technique and the Standing height was measured using a stadiometer. Results: The Regression equation for stature of males using head length is 153.02+0.75HL and using head breadth is 141.65+1.67HB. The regression equation for stature in females using head length and breadth are 100.837+3.081HL and 112.23+3.002HB respectively. Conclusion: From our study we conclude that there is a weak positive correlation between height and head length in both males and females. The data obtained may be useful in anthropological research, forensic, genetic research, as well as in medical clinical practice.

The variability of anthropometric and body composition parameters in middle-aged women associated with menopause and smoking

Menopause and its related hormonal changes are associated with the variation of body composition, especially impacting adipose tissue metabolism and the reduction of lean mass. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of smoking during menopause on the subsequent effects on body composition. The sample comprised of 572 Slovak women aged between 39 and 65 years (49.67±6.2). Standard anthropometric techniques were used to collect anthropometric measurements, whereas bioelectrical parameters were measured utilizing a mono-frequency bioimpedance analyzer (BIA 101). Data on menopausal status, physical activity, and smoking habits were obtained via a specific questionnaire. In postmenopausal women, our results showed a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers in BMI, TBW%, ECW%, ICW%, MM%, FFM%, FM% (p &lt; 0.05). No significant differences were observed in premenopausal women, although two-way analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between smoking and menopausal status on the FM% (p &lt; 0.001), FFM% (p &lt; 0.001), and MM% (p = 0.002), whilst controlling for age and physical activity. In our sample group of middle-aged women, the combined impact of menopause and smoking appeared to influence anthropometric parameters and body composition.

Sex and stature estimation from anthropometric measurements of the foot: linear analyses and neural network approach on a Turkish sample

BackgroundFor over a century, anthropometric techniques, widely used by anthropologists and adopted by medical scientists, have been utilized for predicting stature and sex. This study, conducted on a Eastern Turkish sample, aims to predict sex and stature using foot measurements through linear methods and Artificial Neural Networks. Our research was conducted on 134 medical students, comprising 69 males and 65 females. Stature and weight were measured in a standard anatomical position in the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane with a stadiometer of 0.1 cm precision. Measurements of both feet's height, length, and breadth were taken using a Vernier caliper, osteometric board, and height scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.00.ResultsIt was observed that all foot dimensions in males were significantly larger than in females. Sex prediction using linear methods yielded an accuracy of 94.8%, with a stature estimation error of 4.15 cm. When employing Artificial Neural Networks, sex prediction accuracy increased to 97.8%, and the error in stature estimation was reduced to 4.07 cm.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that Artificial Neural Networks can work more effectively with such data. Using Artificial Neural Networks, the accuracy of sex prediction for both feet exceeded 95%. Additionally, the error in stature estimation was reduced compared to the formulas obtained through linear methods.

Growth charts for weight and height of Indian children with Down syndrome.

Age and gender specific growth charts for Indian children with Down syndrome (DS) based on longitudinal data have not been published. To establish percentile growth charts for DS children inhabiting northwestern parts of India, body weight and length/height of 1125 (Male: 752, Female: 373) children with DS aged <1 month to 10 years, enrolled from the "Genetics Clinic" were measured at half yearly age intervals in the "Growth Clinic" of the Institute from August 1994 to November 2018. A total of 2089 observations were made on these children using standardized anthropometric techniques and instruments following a prospective mixed-longitudinal growth research design. Using the LMS method, age and sex-specific percentile growth charts (<1 month to 10 years) for weight, and length/ height were generated. Unpaired t-test was used to compare mean growth attainments of study children with those of DS patients representing other population groups as well as their normal Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) counterparts. The 50th percentile growth curves for both weight and length/height of Indian children with DS demonstrated a regular increase. As compared to their normal MGRS and Indian (IAP) counterparts, the children with DS had lower weight and height attainments. The boys and girls with Down syndrome showed short stature (height < 3rd centile) from the age of 1 year till 10 years and also became underweight beyond 5 years. As compared to their normal counterparts, children with Down syndrome exhibited compromised auxological attainments. The use of growth charts presented herein may be used to compare and monitor growth and nutritional status of Indian children with Down syndrome.

Advanced Body Measurement Techniques Can Complement Current Methods of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Dose Prescription

Within chemotherapy, estimates of a patient’s body surface area (BSA) are used to calculate drug dosages. However, the use of BSA for calculating chemotherapy dosage has been heavily criticised in previous literature, with potentially significant implications for the effectiveness and toxicity of treatment. BSA has been found to be a poor indicator of optimal drug exposure that does not account for the complex processes of cytotoxic drug distribution and elimination. In addition, differences in BSA estimates between existing formulae have been shown to be so large that they can affect patients’ mortality, particularly in patients with atypical body types. This uncertainty associated with BSA prediction may decrease the confidence of practitioners when determining chemotherapy dosages, particularly with regards to the risk of excess toxicity from over-dosing, or a reduced anti-cancer effect due to under-dosing. The use of national dose-banding in the UK may in some cases account for possible inaccuracies, but the threshold of variance in this case is small (+/−6%). Advanced body measurement techniques, utilising digital tools such as three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging, capture accurate external dimensions and detailed shape characteristics of the human body. Measures of body shape describe morphological variations that cannot be identified by traditional anthropometric techniques and improve the prediction of total body fat and distribution. It is our view that the use of advanced body measurement techniques can provide practitioners with tools for prescribing chemotherapy dosages that are valid for individuals, regardless of their body type.

Correlation between Sleep Patterns, Weight, and Height Among Indonesian Female Boarding School Students

Background: Sleep is essential for growth, development, and health, with inadequate sleep linked to risks such as obesity, hypertension, and mood disorders. Sleep patterns differ by sex, with females often experiencing poorer quality and greater susceptibility to disturbances due to factors like the menstrual cycle. Adolescents, particularly boarding students, face unique sleep challenges from academic and extracurricular demands, potentially impacting growth. This study is aimed at studying the relationship between sleep patterns and height within Indonesian female boarding school students to understand the influence of sleep on their physical development. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in a boarding school in East Java, enrolling female students aged 13-17 years. Height and weight were assessed with standard anthropometric techniques. The BMI was computed and categorized according to age-specific percentiles. An online form collected data on bedtime, wake-up time, and sleep duration. SPSS was used for data analysis and Pearson’s correlation to explore relationships between sleep patterns and height. Result: This study included 127 female students with a mean BMI of 20.9±3.31. Mean height and weight were 154.57±5.45 and 50,08±9.38, respectively. 76% of subjects had an average of 5–5.5 hours of sleep per day. There was no significant relationship between the two (Pearson correlation=-0.009; Sig. 2-tailed=0.0923). There was a slight tendency that less sleep was associated with a slight decrease in height, but very weak and not significant (Pearson correlation = -0.090; Sig. 2-tailed = 0.313). Conclusion: Although females in boarding schools experience reduced sleep duration, they maintain normal weight and height.

Agreement in Sexing and Estimating Stature in Human Skeletal Remains

Forensic anthropology involves the application of anthroposcopic and anthropometric techniques to analyze human skeletal remains. This research outlines the assessment of a set of human skeletal remains for characteristics of sex and stature using forensic anthropological techniques to conclude whether various bones in a human skeleton are in agreement regarding these characteristics. The data for this study was collected using sliding calipers, spreading calipers, a soft measuring tape, and an osteometric board. In addition to the anthropometric data collected for statistical analysis, anthroposcopic data was also used to visually assess the individual. After the data collection concluded, various methods were applied for assessing sex and estimating stature that are used by a multitude of researchers in the field of forensic anthropology. Of the studied individual, the sex was determined to be female and the stature found in the range of five foot five to five foot six inches as determined by a majority of the results. Albeit being affected by some limitations, the study contributed to knowledge in the application of assessment methods for these two characteristics and how well various bones agreed regarding the sex and stature of the individual.

Body surface area is a predictor of maturity status in school children and adolescents

BackgroundGenerally, Body surface area (BSA) changes significantly during growth and maturation. These increases portend a possible relationship between body size as determined by BSA with maturational status in children and adolescents.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between maturity status (MS) obtained by non-invasive anthropometric methods and body surface area (BSA) in children and adolescents of both sexes in a regional population of Chile. Additionally, we sought to verify the type of linear or nonlinear relationship between MS and BSA in both sexes.MethodsA descriptive (cross-sectional) study was designed in 950 children and adolescents of both sexes (539 males and 411 females). The age range ranged from 6.0 to 17.9 years. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body weight, standing height, sitting height. MS was assessed by means of two non-invasive anthropometric techniques. Both techniques predict peak years of growth velocity (APHV) through a regression equation for each sex. BSA (m2) was estimated by means of the Haycock equation.ResultsThe R2 in the linear model is relatively lower (R2 = 0.80 to 0.89 in males and 0.74 to 0.66 in females) in relation to the nonlinear quadratic model (R2 = 0.81 in males and 0.76 to 0.69). The quadratic nonlinear quadratic model reflected an adequate fit (RMSE) for the data set, being in men (RMSE = 1.080 and 1.125), while in women (RMSE = 1.779 and 1.479).ConclusionBSA is positively associated with MS determined by two non-invasive methods in Chilean children and adolescents: The nonlinear quadratic model was a better fit to the data distribution. The results suggest the use of BSA as a possible predictor of maturity status in Chilean youth.

Air Displacement Plethysmography is an Accurate and Feasible Noninvasive Measure of Fat-Free Mass in Children With Intestinal Failure.

The nutritional status of children with intestinal failure (IF) can be difficult to determine using body weight and currently available anthropometric techniques. Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is a noninvasive measure of whole-body composition that measures body mass and volume, with a calculation of percent body fat (%BF) and fat-free mass (FFM) that may be useful during the provision of specialized nutrition. To evaluate the validity and feasibility of measuring body composition in children with IF using ADP compared with deuterium dilution (DD), as well as secondarily with other measures of body composition, namely bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and four-site skinfold anthropometry. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 18 children recruited through the Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation at Boston Children's Hospital. Patients 2-17 years of age with IF dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN) for more than 90 days were included. Spearman rank correlation and Bland-Altman limits of agreement (LOA) analysis were used to compare ADP to 4 alternative measures of body composition. Eighteen children with IF, median age 7.1 [interquartile range (IQR) 5.4-9.3] years, 9 female (50%), and median residual bowel length 31 (IQR 22-85) cm were enrolled. Median PN energy intake was 46 (IQR 39-49) kcal/kg/day. Incomplete bladder emptying lead to invalid measures of DD in 4 subjects. Spearman correlation coefficients for %BF were low to moderate between ADP and DD ( r = 0.29), DXA ( r = 0.62), BIA ( r = 0.50), and skinfold ( r = 0.40). Correlations for FFM were high between ADP and these other measures (range 0.95-0.98). Comparing ADP with DD and skinfold measures, Bland-Altman analysis showed small mean bias (-1.9 and +1.5 kg) and acceptable 95% LOA ranges (10.7 and 22.9 kg), respectively, with larger bias (-10.7 and -7.7 kg) and LOA ranges (38.7 and 45.2 kg) compared to DXA and BIA. %BF by ADP and skinfold thickness were moderately correlated ( r = 0.43) with low bias (-0.2%) but very wide LOA (25.7%). Body composition via ADP is feasible and valid in children with IF as a measure of FFM but appears less suitable for the measurement of %BF. The technique holds promise as a noninvasive measure of body composition to assess the efficacy of nutritional, medical, and surgical interventions.

Comparison of the body mass index (BMI) in physical education students, established by anthropometric, self-report and figure test techniques

The purpose of the study was to compare the BMI according to different measurement techniques and to analyze differences between age and sex of Physical Education students. Type of descriptive research with a non-experimental cross-sectional research design. 107 students from Catamarca (Argentina) participated, 67 men (62.6%) and 40 women (37.4%) between 21 and 40 years old. Body weight (self-reported and real) will be reduced, to estimate the BMI the formula will be improved: models weight (kg) / height (m2) and to determine the perception by figures, the 7 anatomical sheet of Montero will be taken. The real BMI of 24.59 kg/m2 was established, self-reported BMI of 24.25 kg/m2 and a perceived BMI by figure of 24.06 kg/m2, 88.8% of the students are of normal weight. . The results determined significant differences of p&lt;.001 in all the study variables between men and women. In the sample in general, significant differences were found between the real and self-informed height (p&lt;.001) and between the real BMI with self-reported and with that perceived by figures (p&lt;.05). The men turned out to be more effective in the perception of the figure and the women in the self-report with respect to the real BMI. Positive and significant correlations are presented between the real and self-perceived measurements in each of the variables, highlighting the real BMI with the self-reported BMI (r =915) and with the BMI perceived by figures (r =629) with significance. (p&lt; .001). It is concluded that the BMI established by the techniques of self-report and perception by figures, underestimate the BMI measured by anthropometry, being the self-report technique the most effective of them, obtaining a high connection with the real BMI and with a high predictive value of estimation of the same.

Abdominal obesity and hydration status as protective factors against mortality in older adults: A prospective study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the association between different anthropometric and body composition techniques for defining obesity status and to investigate their clinical implications in older hospitalized patients, both during their hospitalization and after discharge. MethodsThis prospective study included patients ≥60 y of age. They were followed for 18 mo to assess mortality and hospital length of stay. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were evaluated, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, body fat percentage, total body water percentage, and muscle mass. These measurements are associated with prognosis and survival. ResultsA higher BMI, excessive body fat, higher total body water percentage, and abdominal obesity were associated with a lower risk for death (P < 0.05). Higher hydration levels were identified as an independent protective factor against mortality. Obesity, defined by body fat percentage, was associated with a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe present study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the existence of the obesity paradox in hospitalized older patients. Additionally, our novel finding reveals that higher levels of total body water percentage are associated with decreased odds of mortality. The study emphasizes the importance of considering other anthropometric measurements and body composition in addition to BMI, considering its limitations. These findings have important implications for health care providers when recommending changes in nutritional status for the older adult population.

Anthropometric evaluation of mandibular characteristics in the medieval Kurdish population of Girê Kortikê: Sex-based variations and comparative analysis

IntroductionThis research seeks to develop population-specific standards for skeletal sex determination, focusing on the medieval Kurdish population of Girê Kortikê and the mandible, a skull component presenting the highest degree of sexual dimorphism. This is the first study of its kind for this population. The research's primary objectives were to conduct anthropometric evaluations of several mandibular characteristics within this population, assess sex-based variations, determine relationships between various mandibular sizes, and contrast these findings with other existing studies. Materials and methodsA total of 121 mandibles (55 women, 66 men) were measured using 14 distinct anthropometric techniques, applying Pearson correlation coefficients, student's t-test, and principal component analysis (PCA) for comparison. ResultsThe study examined and discussed disparities between some chosen mandibular measurements and data from other populations. Statistically significant sex differences (p < 0.05) and correlations were identified in 12 of the anthropological measurements. The research found that the greater the height of the symphysis (GNI), the higher the foramen mentale height (FBB). Average measurements significantly deviated from the medieval Kurdish population when compared to populations in Santa Maria Xigui, Mexico (XIG), and Mexico City (MEX). ConclusionNo correlation was found between the height of the mandibular body (HML) and the mandible length (MLT). The study suggested distinct mandibular angle (MAN) sizes between sexes, indicating unique characteristics within the Girê Kortikê population, warranting further research for a more comprehensive evaluation. In conclusion, these findings emphasize the mandible's anatomical, historical, and cultural relevance in sex determination within the Girê Kortikê population.

An observational pilot study on anthropometric analysis of lip–nose complex of unilateral cleft lip children and age-matched controls by three-dimensional digital photogrammetry

ABSTRACT Introduction: Lip–nose complex anthropometry is an important component of cleft lip and palate repair. There are limited studies in the Indian population which measure the anthropometry of facial structures. Various anthropometric and cephalometric techniques have been evolved and applied to measure facial features of cleft lip/palate patients. Objective: The main objective of this study was to measure the anthropometry of lip–nose complex of unilateral cleft lip children and compare it with noncleft children as age-matched controls by VECTRA three-dimensional (3D) digital photogrammetry. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted on 25 children with unilateral cleft lip (complete/incomplete) of 3 months–2 years of age as cases and 25 noncleft children as age-matched controls, admitted to our institute. Philtral height, lip length, lip height, nostril height, nostril width, nasal sill width, and columella height were measured using VECTRA 3D digital photogrammetry. Results: The mean age of cleft and noncleft patients was 7.80 ± 3.76 months and 10.60 ± 4.38 months, respectively. Philtral height, lip height, lip length, and columella height of the cleft side were found to be significantly lower than that of noncleft patients (P &lt; 0.001). The rest of the parameters, nostril height, nostril width, and nasal sill width of cleft patients were found to be significantly higher than that of noncleft patients (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study provided an anthropometrical analysis of the lip–nose complex which can be a fundamental basis for presurgical consultation, surgical planning, postoperative assessment, and a predictor for treatment outcome.

Abstract #1412847: Seasonal Variation in Growth Velocity in Asian Indian Children

Earlier studies on seasonality have shown greater height gain in children in spring and has been attributed to the effect of melatonin, glucocorticoid receptor pathway, ghrelin and a number of other factors on growth hormone. This study aimed to find seasonal variations in growth velocity in Asian Indian children between 3 and 18 years of age. This was a longitudinal prospective study conducted in 16 schools and preschools of NTR district of Andhrapradesh, India. Date of birth was documented and height was recorded using standard anthropometric technique, described by WHO, at three monthly intervals for one year. At the baseline visit, 4,186 children were recruited. Data pertaining to 859 students was eliminated because of the presence of chronic illnesses or height SDS +/-5 or being lost for follow-up. Of the 3,327 children analyzed, 1,627 were boys and 1,700 were girls. There was no significant seasonal variation in height velocity between any of the four seasons in either boys or girls. The amplitude of seasonal variation is described in proportion to the distance from the Equator. However, improving agricultural conditions and changing lifestyle habits might have contributed to the absence of seasonal variation in growth.

Interactions between sex and the age at disease onset on cardiometabolic risk factors in a Ghanaian population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study.

The are sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as the age at disease onset. However, the impact of these risk factors on the age at onset of T2DM is less known in the Ghanaian population. An understanding of the differential impact of cardiometabolic risk factors on the age at onset on T2DM may lead to sex-specific interventions in preventive and management strategies for T2DM. The study was cross-sectional from January to June 2019 at the Bolgatanga regional hospital. The study involved 163 T2DM patients (Female = 103, Male = 60), aged from 25 to 70 years. The body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured following standardized anthropometric techniques. Fasting venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for cardiometabolic risk factors including total cholesterol (TCHOL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. While TCHOL was higher in males than females (mean [SD]: F = .78 [1.37], M = 4.27 [1.39]) and LDL higher in females than males (mean [SD]: [F = 4.33 [1.22], M = 3.87 [1.26]), these did not, however, attain conventional statistical significance for TCHOL (t = 1.985, p = 0.05) and LDL (t = 2.001, p = 0.05). There were however, significant interactions between sex and the age at disease onset on TCHOL (t = -2.816, p = 0.006) and LDL (t = -2.874, p = 0.005), which were independent of the BMI, WHR and disease duration. The relationship between the age at disease onset and that of TCHOL and LDL were positive in females but negative in males. Fasting plasma TCHOL and LDL increases with increasing age at onset of T2DM in females but decreases in males. Strategies for the prevention and management of T2DM should be sex-specific. Females with T2DM should be given more attention regarding their fasting plasma cholesterol (total) and LDL cholesterol as they are more likely than men to have increased levels of these lipids with increasing age at disease onset.

Predisposing and reinforcing factors of undernutrition among 0- to 59-months-old children in rural communities of central Malawi

BackgroundChild undernutrition is a public health problem in Malawi. In 2015, about 23% of child mortality was linked to the phenomenon. Child undernutrition is more prevalent in rural areas and there is limited data to inform rural-specific programs. The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence and predisposing factors of undernutrition among 0–59 months-old children in rural central Malawi. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 538 child/mother dyads were systematically selected from postnatal clinics. Anthropometric assessment techniques and socio-demographic questionnaire was used to collect data. Child Z-scores for anthropometric data were calculated using Anthro v3.2.2. Logistic regressions were used to determine correlates of undernutrition. ResultsThe rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 42%, 11%, and 3%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, limited access to safe water, and maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) were risk factors of child stunting (OR = 1.72, CI: 1.13–2.61) and (OR = 1.505, CI: 1.001–2.261) respectively. Child deworming, born at a low weight, and food insecurity were some of risk factors of child underweight (OR = 2.14, CI: 1.18–3.89), (OR = 2.41, CI: 1.23–4.71), and (OR = 1.89, CI: 1.01–3.51) respectively. Households that were near domestic water supply had low risk of registering wasted children (OR = 0.18, CI: 0.41–0.79). ConclusionsOnly the prevalence of child stunting is greater in central Malawi compared to national level. This study suggests that child nutrition planners in Dowa district should pay attention to water access, food security, child deworming, childbirth weight, and IPV.

Anthropometric Measures and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Is there an Opportunity for Non-Traditional Anthropometric Assessment? A Review.

Several anthropometric measurements are used to assess cardiovascular risk and progress during clinical treatment. Most commonly used anthropometric measurements include total body weight and body mass index (BMI), with several other simple anthropometric measures typically underused in clinical practice. Herein, we review the evidence on the relationship between different anthropometric measurements and cardiovascular risk in patients with and without cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data for this review were identified by searches in PubMed, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and references from relevant articles by using appropriate and related terms. The last search was performed on June 22, 2022. Articles published in English and Spanish were reviewed and included, if appropriate. We included studies detailing the relationship between skinfolds thickness, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and Conicity index with cardiovascular risk in adults with/without CVD. In patients from the general population, elevated subscapular and triceps skinfolds showed a positive relationship with the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. A higher subscapular skinfold was also associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. A higher WHR, as well as other less common anthropometric measurements such as the Conicity index, was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, incident CVD, major adverse cardiovascular events, and mortality in both patients with and without previous CVD. Non-traditional anthropometric measurements including skinfolds and WHR seem to improve the prediction of cardiovascular risk in the general population, and recurrent events in patients with previous CVD. Use of additional anthropometric techniques according to an objective and standardized method, may aid cardiovascular risk stratification in patients from the general population and the evaluation of therapeutic interventions for patients with CVD.

Mid-upper arm circumference and neck circumference to screen for overweight-obesity in young adults in South India

IntroductionThere are many anthropometric techniques to screen for overweight-obesity like the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-hip ratio (WHR). These may be difficult or less acceptable in community and outpatient settings. We determine the cut-offs of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and neck-circumference (NC) to screen overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), abdominal obesity by waist circumference (WC; men: ≥90 cm; women: ≥80 cm) and high percent body fat (PBF) (men: ≥20%; women: ≥30%) and explore participant preference for various anthropometric methods. Methodology: We enrolled 282 medical students in South India and performed anthropometry (height, weight, WC, MUAC and NC), bio-impedance analysis (BIA, Inbody 770) to detect PBF. Receiver operator curves were generated and best cut-offs derived using highest Youden Index (sensitivity + specificity-1). ResultsOf the 282 participants, 83 (29.4%) were overweight, 113 (38.7%) had abdominal obesity and 186 (66%) had higher PBF. The MUAC cut-off was 31.3cm for men (sensitivity: 86%; specificity: 74%) to detect overweight and 31.2 cm (sensitivity: 85%; specificity: 73%) to detect abdominal obesity. The corresponding cut-offs in women were 28.5 cm (sensitivity:88%; specificity: 83%) to detect overweight and 28.3 cm (sensitivity: 74%; specificity: 92%) for abdominal obesity. For NC, the proposed cut-off in men was 36.6 cm (sensitivity: 81%; specificity: 82%) for overweight and 37.1 cm (sensitivity:78%; specificity:82%) for abdominal obesity. In women, this was 31.4 cm for both overweight as per BMI (sensitivity: 88%; specificity: 71%) and for abdominal obesity (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 81%). Neck circumference was preferred by 225 (79.8%) participants. ConclusionBoth MUAC and NC can be considered for screening overweight and abdominal obesity with good sensitivity and specificity but their sensitivity and specificity for screening high PFB were not very good. Neck circumference was the most preferred anthropometric method.

Estimation of Stature from Arm Span: A Prospective Study Among Medical Students of Rangpur Medical College

Background: Arm span is one of the most reliable body parameters for predicting the stature of an individual. It is useful in an age-related loss in stature and in identifying individuals with disproportionate growth abnormalities and skeletal dysplasia.&#x0D; Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine whether there is any correlation between stature and arm span and estimate stature from arm span by using multiplication factor and assess the effectiveness of the above estimation by comparing the ‘estimated’ values with the measured values.&#x0D; Methods: This is a cross-sectional analytical study done in the Department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur, from January to December 2018 on purposively selected 700 medical students (350 male and 350 female). Arm span along with their stature was measured directly from the subjects by using an anthropometric technique by a measuring tape. Multiplication factors were estimated for estimating stature and comparison were made between measured and estimated stature using paired “t” test.&#x0D; Results: The mean normal value of arm span was 170.48±7.38 cm in males and 156.13±5.98 cm in females and the stature was 168.93±0.06 cm in males and 156.23±0.05 cm in females. The multiplication factor was estimated for the same hand measurements with the stature. A significant positive correlation was found in the case of arm span with stature.&#x0D; Conclusion: Arm span is a valid measure of stature for both adult males and females.&#x0D; J Rang Med Col. September 2022; Vol. 7, No. 2:47-51