Muscle mass and body composition in Japanese children measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

ABSTRACT: Age- and sex-specific reference values for muscle mass and body composition are essential for evaluating childhood cancer survivors at risk of muscle loss and abnormal body composition. To establish standard values for Japanese children, we conducted a cross-sectional study of healthy children aged 6 to 17 years. From April to June 2023, height, weight, and body composition were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita MC 780 A-N) in 9,202 students at 16 schools in Fukuoka City and nearby areas in Japan. Boys had significantly higher lean mass index (LMI) than girls at all ages (p < 0.001). In boys, LMI and skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) showed strong positive correlations with age (γ = 0.748, γ = 0.806), whereas girls exhibited moderate correlations (γ = 0.482, γ = 0.622).

SUBMITTER: Nakayama H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12603032 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature