The development of a preliminary regression equation for estimating the weight of black South African paraplegic males using anthropometric measurements in Tshwane, South Africa
Date
2008
Authors
Snyman H.
Herselman M.G.
Labadarios D.
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Abstract
Objective: To develop a regression (equation to estimate the weight of black male paraplegic South African subjects. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient paraplegic clinic of Kalafong Hospital, Tshwane, South Africa. Subjects: Subjects (n = 43) were selected from a population of black paraplegic males attending the clinic. Outcome measures: The following measurements were obtained in triplicate from the consenting subjects: weight waist, calf, chest and neck circumference, mid upper-arm circumference (MUAC), supine length, upper-arm length and wrist circumference. The age of the subject, time elapsed since injury, level of injury and level of spasticity were recorded. Results: Body weight correlated significantly with waist, calf, chest and neck circumference and MUAC with respective Pearson correlation coefficient values (R) of 0.85 or higher and significant levels (p-values) of p < 0.0001. A regression equation to estimate weight was chosen on the basis of strength and practicality and included the following variables: circumferences of the calf, chest, and neck as well as the supine length. The regression equation was significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: A regression equation was developed which could be used, when further validated, to estimate the weight of black South African paraplegic males.
Description
Keywords
adult, anthropometry, article, body composition, body height, body weight, clinical article, correlation analysis, correlation coefficient, cross-sectional study, human, injury severity, male, neck, Negro, outpatient care, paraplegia, regression analysis, South Africa, spasticity, thorax, waist circumference, wrist
Citation
South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition
21
3
21
3