Work

Improved body composition assessment using biceps skinfold and physical activity score in premenarcheal girls: a DXA-based validation study.

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Age-specific body mass index (BMI) is commonly employed as an index of adiposity for pediatric clinical and research purposes. However, BMI fails to discriminate between fat and lean mass, making it an imperfect monitor for obesity. We hypothesized that simple anthropometry and organized non-aquatic physical activity assessment (PA) would provide superior explanatory value for pediatric body composition outcomes. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In a cross-sectional analysis, whole body DXA assessed body composition in 120 pre-menarcheal girls. Questionnaires were used to record and generate annual means for PA. Age, Tanner breast self-stage, height, weight, BMI, skinfold thicknesses, girths and PA were examined as potential predictors of body composition outcomes, using backward stepwise multiple linear regression. A parsimonious regression model was developed in 75% and cross-validated in 25% of the total sample; models were rerun with the total sample. RESULTS: =0.92 and 0.91, respectively. DISCUSSION: Compared to BMI and age alone, models including biceps skinfold, PA, height, weight and age had superior explanatory value for clinically-relevant body composition outcomes, and are feasible for clinical use.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Tamara A Scerpella, Nicole M Gero, Christopher R Ursillo, Paula F Rosenbaum, Jodi N Dowthwaite

Institutions: SUNY Upstate Medical University, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Syracuse University

Language: English

Topic: Body Composition Measurement Techniques

Subfield: Physiology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Awards: Role of impact activity in peripubertal bone accrual, Sustained Skeletal Benefits of Adolescent Exercise