Harpenden Caliper Research Articles

Factors Affecting Antibody-Mediated Immune Response and Cellular-Mediated Immune Response in Weaned Brahman Calves

Selecting high-immune-responding cattle benefits the individual animal and the herd. To assess factors that have a role in determining the immune status of cattle, this study used 55 weaned bull and 57 weaned heifer Brahman calves. Antibody-mediated immune response (AMIR) was determined by using a vaccine-specific IgG, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in response to cattle receiving the Salmonella Newport Extract vaccine. Cell-mediated immune response (CMIR) was determined by using a subcutaneous (neck) sensitization dose of Candida albicans (CA) with Quil-A adjuvant on Day 0. On Day 14, caudal skinfold thickness (SFT) was measured using Harpenden calipers prior to the intradermal injection of CA into the skinfold, and on Day 15, the injection site SFT was measured again. The response was determined by using the difference in SFT from Day 15 (post-injection) and Day 14 (pre-injection). In weaned Brahman calves, AMIR was not influenced by sex; however, there was sexual dimorphism associated with CMIR, in that bull calves had a greater response than heifers (p < 0.05). Our studies demonstrate that weaned Brahman calves can be separated into AMIR and CMIR classes and that AMIR and CMIR should be investigated further as selection tools in beef cattle production.

22 Influence of Cell-Mediated Immune Response Classification on Performance of Heat-Stressed Dairy Cattle

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress on pasture. On d 0, pregnant, lactating dairy cows (n = 27; 18 Holstein and 9 Jersey) received a subcutaneous sensitization dose of killed Candida albicans (CA; 0.5 mg) with Quil-A adjuvant (0.75 mg) in 2.5 mL of PBS. Tail skin fold thickness (SFT) was measured with a Harpenden caliper on d 14 immediately following an intradermal injection of killed CA (0.1 mg in 0.5 mL of PBS) in the right tail skin fold and a control injection (PBS) in the left tail skin fold. On d 15, change in SFT was measured and used to assign cell-mediated immune response classifications (CMIR) as High (HR; >0.5 SD above the mean; n = 9), Intermediate (IR; within 0.5 SD above or below the mean; n = 10), or Low (LR; >0.5 SD below the mean; n = 8). Cows from each CMIR were assigned to 1 of 3 environmental conditions (EC): No Abatement (no heat abatement provided; n = 9), Shade (portable shade structure; n = 9), or Sprinklers (polyvinyl chloride sprinkler system; n = 9) for a 38-d period (July 1, 2019 to August 8, 2019). Daily Milk Yield (DMY), Reticulorumen Temperature (RT), Heat Stress Score (HSS; 0 = respiration rate of < 80 breaths/min to 4 = moribund, labored breathing), and instances of Mouth Open (MO), Tongue Out (TO), and Drool were recorded daily. Respiration rate (RR; breaths/min) was recorded 3 times/day (morning, midday, and late afternoon) and averaged on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday weekly. Body Condition Score (BCS; 1 = emaciated to 5 = obese) was recorded weekly. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with CMIR, EC, Breed, Time and 2-way interactions as fixed effects and Pen as random. Low exhibited the lowest HSS and BCS, but the greatest MO and TO instances (P < 0.02). High exhibited the greatest instances of Drool (P < 0.02). Heat stress score, MO, and Drool were greatest in the No Abatement group (P < 0.01). Respiration rate was greatest in the No Abatement and Shade groups relative to Sprinklers (P < 0.01). Daily milk yield, RT, and Drool were increased whereas HSS and RR were decreased in Holstein relative to Jersey cows (P < 0.01). Interactions (P < 0.05) included: CMIR by EC for DMY, HSS, RR, MO, TO, and Drool; CMIR by Breed for RT, DMY, and BCS; EC by Breed for RT, DMY, HSS, and RR; and EC by Time for DMY, HSS, BCS, RR, MO, and TO. There was an effect of Time for all variables (P < 0.05). Preliminary results suggest an influence of cell-mediated immune response classification on performance of dairy cattle experiencing conditions of heat stress and warrant future studies with an increased number of animals.

Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Thickness to Determine Body Fat Percentage among Young Women

Body composition analysis (BCA) measurements are the quantitative methods to evaluate nutritional status and adiposity. There is an increased need for BCA methods, especially calculation of body fat percentage with better sensitivity and precision. This study is focused on estimation of body fat percentage using two methods. Objective of the study was to compare body fat percentage obtained using four-site skinfold thickness (SFT) measurement with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of young women. The 4-site SFTs were measured at triceps, bicep, subscapular and suprailiac region, using Harpenden caliper. Body fat percentage was computed using sum of skinfolds and Durnin-Womersley equation. BIA was done using a body composition analyzer. Statistical analysis including the Bland-Altman plot was performed in SPSS software v.23.0 and MS Excel. A total of 310 women (age 18-25 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Mean BMI of participants was 22.2±5.05 kg/m2. Body fat percentage from skinfold thickness and BIA techniques were 32.79±5.048% and 33.85±5.32% respectively. Although there was a positive correlation (p<0.01) observed between the two methods, Bland-Altman plot indicated a proportional bias (r=0.176, p<0.05). It also showed difference of agreement between SFT & BIA methods. BIA overestimates the body fat percentage with limits of agreement range -5.33% to 3.28%. Our study reported that BIA overestimates body fat percentages compared to SFT. However, the two methods are not interchangeable. Evaluating anthropometric measurements is considered useful method as it controls regional changes of subcutaneous adiposity, whereas BIA technique can be used for its practical applicability.

Increases In Lean Body Mass Do Not Negatively Affect Broad Jump Performance In Soccer Players

INTRODUCTION: There is an unfounded dogma that suggests that an increase in body mass would interfere with broad jump performance. The hypothesis is that a gain in body mass obtain from resistance training (RT) will not be deleterious to performance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of a RT program and the resulting gain in lean mass on broad jump testing results in soccer players. METHODS: Fifteen male soccer players from a U-19 team of the Elite Ivory Coast Training Academy (age:15.8 ± 1.42) took part in a RT program intervention twice a week, over the course of 12 weeks, while maintaining their regular soccer training program. The RT program included three different full-body workouts, with percentage of Maximum Repetition (RM) ranging from 75% to 87% of 1 RM. Participant bodyweight (BW) was recorded and bodyfat percentage (BF%) was measured using an Harpenden caliper and the Durin & Ramahan method. significant differences in improvement were calculated with a paired sample T-test. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Results show a significant (p˂0.05) improvement for the BJ from a mean baseline group performance of 2.26 ± 0.15 m to 2.44 ± 0.12 m after 12 weeks of RT even though mean BW significantly increased from 63.29 ± 5.65 kg to 64.29 ± 5.80 kg as a result of a significant improvement in mean lean body mass (LBM) from 57.13 ± 5.04 kg to 59.06 ± 4.95 & while BF% mean values significantly went down from 9.72 ± 1.49 % to 8.03 ± 1.22 %. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show a significant improvement on the BJ and therefore on lower limb power. 12 weeks of RT and the increase in LBM that result from it did not negatively affect BJ performance, and this improvement was observed despite a significant increase in total body mass. However, further research should include a control group, to confirm without a doubt that an RT protocol can, in fact, improve BJ performance.

Increase In Body Mass Do Not Negatively Affect Aerobic Capacity In Elite Male Soccer Players

Previous research has shown that an increase in body mass is unfoundedly linked to a decrease of aerobic capacity. The focal point of this decrease is a reduction in the maximal rate of oxygen utilization (VO2 max). PURPOSE: To measure the effect of a Resistance Training (RT) program and its expected gain in lean mass on aerobic capacity in soccer players. The hypothesis being that a gain in body mass obtained from resistance training (RT) will not be detrimental to aerobic capacity. METHODS: Eleven male soccer players from a U-19 team of the Elite Ivory Coast Training Academy (age:15.73 ± 1.21 years) took part in a 12-week, three times per week, RT program, while maintaining their regular soccer training program. The RT program included three different full-body workouts, with percentage of maximum repetition (RM) ranging from 75% to 87% of 1 RM. Participants bodyweight (BW) was recorded and bodyfat percentage (BF%) was measured using an Harpenden caliper and the Durin & Ramahan 4-site skinfold method. Participant VO2 max was extrapolated from the Carzola VAMÉVAL test. Differences between pre and post measures were calculated with a paired samples T-test. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 RESULTS: Results show a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of VO2max with base values starting at 58.84 ± 1.77 mL/kg/min and increasing to 60.07 ± 2.18 mL/kg/min after 12 weeks of RT even though mean BW significantly increased from 61.74 ± 4.66 kg to 62.55 ± 4.83 kg. Furthermore, mean lean body mass (LBM) increased significantly from 55.73 ± 4.21 kg to 57.62 ± 4.29 kg while BF% significantly decreased from 9.54 ± 1.13% to 7.66 ± 0.58 %. CONCLUSION: Results show that a RT protocol does not negatively impact aerobic capacity but rather potentially increases it. 12 weeks of RT and the increase in BW and LBM that resulted from it did not negatively affect aerobic capacity. However, further research should include a control group, to confirm without a doubt that an RT protocol can, in fact, improve VO2 max.

Correlation of different anthropometric parameters with handgrip strength in football players

Background: The anthropometric measurements and handgrip dynamometry test express the physical capacity of a football player, and they can be used for comparisons with other sports. Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were to found out for correlation of body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference, mid-upper arm area (MUAA), tricep skinfold thickness, corrected mid-upper arm muscle area (CMUAMA), mid-upper arm fat area (MUAFA), and arm fat index (AFI) with handgrip strength in Football players. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 healthy football players aged 15–25 years, from district sports academy, practicing from 3 years. They may not have any upper arm defects or any neurological problems. The Sahen’s digital handgrip dynamometer is used to test handgrip strength. MUAA determined by the normal formula circumference of the mid-upper arm 2/4π. Mid-upper arm circumference measured by measuring tape. Harpenden caliper used for tricep skinfold thickness measurement. Standard formula used for measurement of CMUAMA, MUAFA, and AFI. Pearson correlation coefficient used for correlation. Results: Statistically, there was a positive correlation between MUAC, BMI, mid-upper arm circumference, MUAA, corrected mid-upper arm muscle area, mid-upper arm fat area in football players with handgrip strength, and a negative correlation between tricep skinfold thickness, and AFI in football players with handgrip strength. Conclusion: Proper training to maintain MUAC, BMI, mid-upper arm circumference, midupper arm area, mid-upper arm muscle area, and mid-upper arm muscle area corrected, the strength of handgrip will improve in the mid-upper arm fat area. In football, it will further contribute to better strength and results.

P1694PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF BODY COMPOSITION ON GRAFT FUNCTIONING IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Post-transplant weight gain and particularly visceral fat gain has been linked to the development of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the effect of obesity on graft function after kidney transplantation has recently become a subject of interest. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with the kidney function in kidney transplant patients. Method We conducted a cross-sectional study that enrolled 80 kidney transplant patients aged 23–75 years (mean age 46.7 ± 11.5 years, 60% males). Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, waist, and hip circumferences in addition to skinfold thickness were obtained. BH% was calculated using a 4-site skinfold thickness method calculated through the Jackson-Pollock equation with a Harpenden caliper, utilizing a BF% cutoff of 35% for women and 25% for men to define obesity. Results The calculated BMI in our study group was 32.7±8.7 kg/m2, a mean BF% of 29.9±8.5% and a mean WHR of 0.9±0.1 Statistically significant difference in GFR, BMI, WHR and BF% were observed between males and females (r=0.455, p=0.02; r=0.412, p=0.016; r=0.437, p=0.022; r=0.348, p=0.011), respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, donor group, donor age and years of dialysis before transplantation, higher levels of all obesity measures were related to lower eGFR: BMI per 1 SD (β coefficient −3.883, 95% confidence interval [CI] −5,422 to −3,132), WHR (β coefficient −4.443, 95% CI −6.201 to −3.772), and BF% (β coefficient −3.722, 95% CI −4.332 to −3.461). The combination of higher BF% (BF% &amp;gt;33 kg/m2) and central obesity (WHR &amp;gt;0.85 for women, &amp;gt;0.90 for men) was associated with the lowest eGFR compared with that in lean subjects. Conclusion The combination of high BF% and WHR may be an important risk factor for lower GFR in a kidney transplant recipient.

How Does Variation in the Body Composition of Both Stimuli and Participant Modulate Self-Estimates of Men's Body Size?

When measured in units of body mass index (BMI), how much variation in men’s self-estimates of body size is caused by i) variation in participants’ body composition and ii) variation in the apparent muscle mass and muscle tone of the stimuli being judged? To address this, we generated nine sets of male CGI bodies representing low, mid, and high muscle mass rendered at low, mid, and high muscle tone, from 18.75 to 40 BMIhse units. BMIhse units in this study are estimates of BMI derived from calibration equations predicting BMI from waist and hip circumference, age, sex, height, and ethnicity in the Health Survey for England databases. Forty-five healthy adult men estimated their body size using a yes-no paradigm for each combination of muscle mass/tone. We also measured participants’ body composition with Harpenden callipers and their body concerns with psychometric questionnaires. We show that stimulus variation in apparent muscle mass/tone can introduce differences up to ∼2.5 BMIhse units in men’s self-estimates of body size. Moreover, men with the same actual BMI, but different body composition, showed up to ∼5-7 BMIhse unit differences in self-estimates of body size. In the face of such large errors, we advocate that such judgments in men should be made instead by simultaneously manipulating both the adiposity and the muscle mass of stimuli which are appropriately calibrated for body composition, so that the participant can match the body size and shape they believe themselves to have to the stimulus they see.

Body fat indices for identifying risk of hypertension in Indian children

Background: Studies in India shown high body fat indices were strongly associated with hypertension in Indian children, but such studies mostly not done in southern states of India. So, authors include children in Tamilnadu measure body fat indices and blood pressure to find which body fat index correlates closely with hypertension.Methods: Standing height was measured using stadiometer. Weight was measured using electronic scale. WC measured in standing position, by a stretch resistant. WC above 90th centile will be considered as Adipose. Waist to height ratio optimal cut-off value is 0.44 for children. TSFT recorded using Harpenden caliper, on the non-dominant upper arm. Wrist circumference measured using stretch resistant tape.Results: In this study 2000 children were participated. More hypertensives are seen in 10 to 12 years(62) and 16 to 18 years(31).Increased weight correlated with hypertension. Study indicates waist circumference is significantly correlated with systolic BP p&lt;0.003, diastolic BP p&lt;0.000. This study shows significant correlation p&lt;0.003 for systolic and p&lt;0.000 for diastolic BP with triceps skin fold thickness estimation. In multivariate analysis with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure shows very strong correlation with waist circumference, waist to height ratio and triceps skin fold thickness.Conclusions: In this study we investigate the correlation between body fat indices and blood pressure correlation was statistically analyzed which shows that waist circumference, waist to height ratio and triceps skin fold thickness were strongly correlated with systolic and diastolic BP.

Study Body Composition of Adolescent Girls

Nutritional status of individuals or populations and measurements of food and nutrient intake and evaluation of nutrition-related health indicators is aspect of study nutritional anthropometry. The use of nutritional assessment has increased importance in recent years because of our greater knowledge of the nutritional status and health. It refers not only to inadequate dietary intake or undernutrition but also to over- nutrition characterized by obesity and its associated co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke, osteoporosis, and some form of cancer as well. Malnutrition is a “pathological state resulting from a relative or absolute deficiency or excess of one or more essential nutrients”. Sample size: For this study 1009 adolescent’s girls are chosen as subjects for this study. Weight is measured in weighing scale and height is measured by anthropometre rod, skinfolds are measured by Harpenden caliper. Results: Fat Mass is 9.35 kg (2.01) mean Fat free Mass is 34.22 kg (4.35). Mean FMI and FFMI of Adolescent girls are 4.08 kg/m2 and 14.98 kg/m2 (1.61). Age wise changes of different variable which significantly vary with age. fat mass increase 4.03 kg from 10 to 19 years.

Non-Invasive Bedside Estimation of Nutrition Accretion and Extracellular Water Volume in Preterm Neonates during the First Three Weeks of Life

Background: Evaluation of nutrients accretion and body water accumulation is critical but difficult in preterm neonates. There are minimal early postnatal anthropometry data available for this population. The newer sophisticated methods are too complex for routine use. Objective: To perform regional anthropometry and estimate extracellular water volume (ECW) in preterm infants during the first three weeks of life via Harpenden caliper application. Methods: Mid arm circumference ( MAC), arm fat area (AFA), arm muscle area (AMA), arm area (AA), arm water area (AWA) and extracellular water volume (ECW) were estimated in stable appropriate for gestational age preterm infants born consecutively during a designated study period with a Harpenden's caliper on days of life 10 and 21 under three weight groups: 500-1200 g, 1201 to 1800 g and 1801 to 2500 g. Students t and Kruskal - Wallis ranked tests and univariate regressions were performed for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 66 data were collected from 42 patients. All anthropometric variables increased transversely on days of life 10 and 21 among all weight groups, whereas, AWA/AA decreased. ECW decreased transversely between groups 1 and 3 on DOL 10 and 21. Highly significant and strong correlations were detected between body weight (BW) and AMA (0.88), BW and AFA (0.78), AFA and tricuspid skin fold thickness at 60 seconds of application (TSKF60 , 0.85), AMA and MAC (0.86) and AWA and tricuspid skin fold compressibility (∆TSKF, 0.56), yielding regression equations for dependent variables. Extrapolation of AFA and AMA regression lines predicted that fat and muscle tissues are not deposited in human fetus before 400 and 228.4 g of weight respectively. No side effects of the procedure were noted. Conclusion: The study presents the regression equations to calculate arm fat, lean body mass and water areas during early postnatal life in the extremely low birth weight and other preterm neonates via a simple bedside procedure, and documents their normative anthropometry reference data for ECW volume and caloric and lean body mass accretion. The extrapolated data reveal that fat and muscle tissues are not deposited in the human fetus before 400 g and 228.4 g of body weight.

Secular Changes of Adiposity and Motor Development in Czech Preschool Children: Lifestyle Changes in Fifty-Five Year Retrospective Study.

Secular trends of adiposity and motor development in preschool children since the fifties of the last century up to the beginning of this millennium were analyzed so as to reveal possible changes due to continuously differentiating lifestyle. In preschool children (n = 3678) height, weight, skinfold thickness over triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac were measured by Harpenden caliper in 1957, 1977, 1980, 1985, 1990, and 2012. Simultaneously, motor performance was tested by evaluating the achievements in broad jump and throwing a ball, as a marker of adaptation to changing level of physical activity, free games, and exercise. Along the period of five decades the values of skinfold thickness increased significantly until 2012, mainly on the trunk. Simultaneously, the level of motor performance significantly decreased. Modifications of the way of life during the mentioned five decades characterized by sedentarism and inadequate food intake as related to energy output influenced negatively both adiposity and motor performance already in preschool children. Mostly increased deposition of fat on the trunk which is considered as a marker of possible development of metabolic syndrome was apparent already in preschool age, indicating the importance of early intervention concerning also physical activity and availability for exercise since early life.

Diagnostic Performance of Skinfold Method to Identify Obesity as Measured by Air Displacement Plethysmography in Cardiac Rehabilitation

To assess the diagnostic performance of the skinfold (SKF) method to detect obesity in patients enrolled in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. This study involves outpatients attending a phase II CR program who underwent air displacement plethysmography (ADP) to assess body composition. We measured body fat percentage (BF%), using a 3-site SKF method calculated through the Jackson-Pollock equation utilizing a Harpenden caliper. Air displacement plethysmography calculated BF% using a bicompartmental model, deriving the body composition after the direct calculation of body density (BD), using the Siri equation [(BF% = 495/BD) - 450]. We calculated the diagnostic performance of SKF to detect obesity, utilizing a BF% cutoff of ≥35% for women and ≥25% for men determined by SKF and ADP to define obesity. Our sample (n = 310) was 80% men, 60.2 ± 11 years of age, had a mean weight of 89.88 ± 17.96 kg, height 173.38 ± 8.68 cm, body mass index (BMI) 29.78 ± 5.01 kg/m, waist circumference 100.55 ± 14.38 cm, and waist-to-hip ratio of 0.96 ± 0.09. The evaluation of the diagnostic performance of SKF to detect obesity showed a sensitivity of 57%, specificity of 93%, a positive predictive value of 97%, and a negative predictive value of 33%. These values were not different from the diagnostic performance of BMI to detect obesity as defined by BF%. SKF and BMI misclassified 43% and 49% of obese patients as nonobese, respectively. Our findings underscore the limitation of using SKF to assess body fatness in the CR setting.

Comparison between anthropometry, ultrasonography and under water weighing for prediction of body fat and metabolic syndrome in adult Indians

Introduction: Obesity is a major public health problem. We evaluated the accuracy of various anthropometric variables among waist circumference (WC), waist: hip ratio (W:H), waist: height ratio (W:Ht), skin fold thickness (STs) that are used to predict body fat in obese middle age Indians. Methodology: A cross sectional study was undertaken on 51 individuals aged (30-55 years), with body mass index (BMI) of 23 or above (22 males and 29 females). Waist, hip circumference were measured by tape at specific levels. Biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and abdominal STs were measured by Harpenden calipers. Total body fat (TBF) was calculated using underwater weighing machine and intraabdominal fat (IAF) and subcutaneous body fat (SC) were estimated using ultrasonography. The status of metabolic syndrome was also determined in each subject. Result: WC showed significant association (p&lt;0.01) with SC in both males and females. W:H ratio showed significant correlation with ultrasound measures of IAF and metabolic syndrome (p&lt;0.01) in men. W: Ht ratio also showed significant correlation (p&lt;0.01) with SC in both males and females and TBF in females. Conclusions: The ultrasonography measurements of IAF estimate visceral obesity and metabolic syndrome better than other anthropometric measurements and the effectiveness of other anthropometry indices requires reference to gender, TBF, IAF and SC.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Disease Prevalence among Elderly Population in Elderly Homes in Kandy

<strong><em></em></strong>A study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases among elderly people in elderly homes in Kandy. A population of 105 elderly people (&gt;65 years), representing 7 elderly homes in Kandy was examined using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool and an additional questionnaire. Skinfold thickness was measured using the Harpenden caliper and body fat was measured using a digital Fat Analyzer. According to the MNA tool 59.1% were at risk of being malnourished, 3.8% weres malnourished and 37.1% were normal. Based on BMI classification, 16.2% was under-weight, 55.2% was normal and 28.6% was over-weight. According to waist-to-hip ratio, 51.4% had a lower risk, 32.4% a moderate risk and 16.2% a higher risk for health problems while 41.9% of the population had hypertension, 13.3% had diabetes and 19.0% had airway obstructive disorders. Furthermore, 31.4% of the population was less active and 67.6% was moderately active. The daily mean energy intake (1945.6 kcal) of subjects was higher than the calculated energy requirement (1490.1 kcal). Among the variables studied BMI had a strong positive correlation with body fat mass (r=0.901, p&lt;0.0001) and skin fold thickness (biceps r=0.594, p=0.000; triceps r=0.538, p&lt;0.0001). Waist circumference also had a positive correlation with skinfold thickness (biceps, r=0.521, p&lt;0.0001; triceps, r=0.337, p&lt;0.01) and fat mass(r=0.645, p&lt;0.0001). Waist-to-hip ratio showed a positive correlation (r=0.322, p &lt;0.05) with biceps skinfold thickness. With waist-to- hip ratio &gt;0.95, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases was clearly high. Further studies are needed using data from other regions in the country to verify the above findings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i3.3296 TAR 2010; 21(3): 229-237

BMI, Body Composition and Expert Vs. Non-expert Anthropometric Assessment

The accuracy of assessing and classifying body composition and chronic disease risk using the common surrogate BMI is questionable in many cases. As an alternative, skinfolds require proficiency and can result in more measurement error. Recently, waist circumference alone has been recommended as an indicator of abdominal fat and health risk. PURPOSE: To compare selected anthropometric measures and BMI in estimating body composition and to examine the accuracy of determining anthropometric measures in expert vs. non-expert assessment. METHODS: Measured height and weight in college-aged individuals (N=35 females, 19 males) were used to determine BMI (kg/m2). Anthropometric measures (skinfolds(mm) - triceps (TRI) and abdominal (ABD) and circumferences(cm) - waist (WSTC) and abdominal (ABDC)) were taken using Harpenden calipers, Gulick tapes, and ACSM recommendations. Percent (%) body fat was determined via Bod Pod and Brozek model for converting body density to relative fat. Anthropometric accuracy was determined using expert (ACSM certified) vs. non-expert comparisons. Non-expert were undergraduate students with limited or no experience in anthropometric assessment; instruction consisted of a personal reading of ACSM anthropometric procedures. Statistical analyses included t-test and correlation comparisons with significance set at p<.01 level. RESULTS: Bod Pod determined % fat (mean±S.D., range) was 19.7±10.9, (5.4-40.4). Correlation for BMI (24.3±4.3) and % fat was low (r=+0.49) and not significant while TRI (14.4±8.3), ABD (17.2±5.5) and % fat were high (r = +0.94, +0.84, respectively) and significant (p<.01). Expert vs. non-expert skinfold results included no significance difference in TRI (15.9±6.1vs.14.1±6.5, respectively) and a significant difference in ABD for both males and females (15.0±5.4 vs. 12.5±3.8; 20.4±6.5 vs.18.2±5.8, respectively). WSTC and ABDC expert vs. non-expert comparisons were not significantly different in males or females. CONCLUSION: Skinfolds (TRI, ABD) are a better measure of relative fat and health risk than BMI. Based on these findings, caution in interpreting health risk is recommended when using ABD non-expert assessment while abdominal fat, health risk can be more accurately determined using non-expert circumferences and ACSM procedures.

A Novelin VivoSkin Extensibility Test for Joint Hypermobility

The stress/strain curve derived from stretching skin is not linear, but follows a J-shaped curve. An initial generous yield is followed by a steep linear phase where considerable additional force is required to achieve modest increases in deformation. The former represents the taking up of slack resulting from the alignment of dermal collagen bundles in the line of force, while the gradient of the latter represents Young's modulus for skin. Skin hyperextensibility in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is limited to the initial phase of taking up slack. Skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility (JHM) form part of the Revised 1998 Brighton diagnostic criteria for the benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), considered by many to be akin to EDS-hypermobility type. JHM may be screened for using the Beighton Score or a 5-point questionnaire. Our aim was to validate a novel method of measuring skin extensibility based on these observations in addition to revalidating the 5-point questionnaire. 250 volunteers (131 female), median age 39 years (range 18-89 yrs), without BJHS, had their joint mobility evaluated using the Beighton Score, compared to the 5-point questionnaire. A Beighton score > or = 4/9 was considered to represent JHM. Skin extensibility was determined by placing 2 dots on the dorsum of the right hand between the second and third metacarpals, approximately 10 mm apart, and was measured using an electronic caliper. Perpendicular to the metacarpals, a force was applied until the skin was fully taut and the increment was measured. Skin-fold thickness was measured using a Harpenden caliper. A corrected skin extensibility score (CSES) was calculated by dividing the percentage increment by skin thickness. Interobserver variability was measured in a further 50 healthy volunteers. The prevalence of JHM was 17.6%. Revalidation of the 5-point questionnaire returned a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.85. The mean CSES was 23.84%/mm in the hypermobile group versus 13.55%/mm in the normal mobility group (p < 0.0001). CSES sensitivity was 0.72, specificity 0.75. The kappa value for interobserver variability was 0.83. The CSES is a useful and reproducible measure of skin extensibility in health. Further work is warranted to validate this test in patients with BJHS.

The common FTOvariant rs9939609 is not associated with BMI in a longitudinal study on a cohort of Swedish men born 1920-1924

BackgroundCommon FTO (fat mass and obesity associated) gene variants have recently been strongly associated with body mass index and obesity in several large studies. Here we set out to examine the association of the FTO variant rs9939609 with BMI in a 32 year follow up study of men born 1920-1924. Moreover, we analyzed the effect of physical activity on the different genotypes.MethodsThe FTO rs9936609 was genotyped using an Illumina golden gate assay. BMI was calculated using standard methods and body fat was estimated by measuring skinfold thickness using a Harpenden caliper. Physical activity was assessed using a four question medical questionnaire.ResultsFTO rs9939609 was genotyped in 1153 elderly Swedish men taking part of a population-based cohort study, the ULSAM cohort. The risk of obesity and differences in BMI according to genotype at the ages of 50, 60, 70, 77 and 82 were investigated. We found no increased risk of obesity and no association with BMI at any age with the FTO rs9939609 variant. We found however interaction between physical activity at the age of 50 years and genotype on BMI levels (p = 0.039) and there was a clear trend towards larger BMI differences between the TT and AA carriers as well as between AT and AA carriers in the less physically active subjects.ConclusionHere we found that the well established obesity risk allele for a common variant in FTO does not associate with increased BMI levels in a Swedish population of adult men which reached adulthood before the appearance of today's obesogenic enviroment. There is an interaction between physical activity and the effect of the FTO genotype on BMI levels suggesting that lack of physical activity is a requirement for an association of FTO gene variants to obesity.

Comparison of Body Composition Measurements using a New Caliper, Two Established Calipers, Hydrostatic Weighing, and BodPod

Purposes: (1) To compare the Lafayette Instruments (LI) skinfold caliper to the Lange (L) and Harpenden (H) calipers using a diverse subject population. (2) To determine the validity of the LI caliper in a subset of subjects by comparing body compositions from skinfold thicknesses to those measured by hydrostatic weighing (HW) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP). (3) To compare measurements obtained by experienced (EX) and inexperienced (IX) technicians using all three calipers. Methods: Skinfold measurements were performed by both EX and IX technicians using three different calipers on 21 younger (21.2 ± 1.5 yrs) and 20 older (59.2 ± 4 yrs) subjects. Body compositions were calculated using the Jackson-Pollock seven-site and three-site formulas. HW and ADP tests were performed on a subset of subjects (10 younger, 10 older). Results: No significant differences existed between LI and L or H when measurements were made by EX. Further, the LI-EX measurements were highly correlated to both H-EX and L-EX. No significant differences existed in the subgroup between LI-EX and HW or ADP. Skinfold determinations made by EX and IX were similar. Conclusions: Similar body compositions determined using LI, H, and L suggest that LI determines body composition as effectively as H and L. High correlations between the three calipers support this notion. Similar results between LI and HW/ADP subgroup suggest that the LI caliper may be a valid method of measuring body composition. Overall, performance by IX was similar to EX and suggests similar ease of use for all three calipers.

Validación por hidrodensitometría de ecuaciones de pliegues cutáneos utilizadas para estimar la composición corporal en mujeres

Introduction. Skinfold thickness equations are widely used for body composition assessment. However the equations have not been validated in Colombia with a reference method. Objective. The skinfold thickness equations of Durning/Womersley, Jackson/Pollock and Ramírez/Torun were validated by hydrodensitometry in female from 18 to 40 years old. Materials and methods. The percentage of body fat was compared among 52 women, using underwater weighing (Chatillon scale) with simultaneous measured of residual lung volume (VMAX 22 Sensormedics spirometer) and skinfold thickness (Harpenden caliper) equations of Durning/Womersley, Jackson/Pollock and Ramírez/Torun. The statistic analysis included paired t test, Pearson and intraclass correlation coefficients, and the Bland-Altman method. Results. The mean percentage of body fat by hydrodensitometry (29.6+/-5.8%) was different (p Conclusion. The skinfold thickness equations showed poor validity for body fat assessment. The equations had significant differences and lower correlation coefficients with hydrodensitometry. In addition, the equations indicated agreement with hydrodensitometry over very wide limits. The outcomes suggested that the results obtained by hydrodensitometry were neither comparable nor interchangeable with those from Durning/Womersley, Jackson/Pollock y Ramírez/Torun skinfold thickness equations.