Assessment and correction of skinfold thickness equations in estimating body fat in children with cerebral palsy.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To assess the accuracy of skinfold equations in estimating percentage body fat in children with cerebral palsy (CP), compared with assessment of body fat from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

Method

Data were collected from 71 participants (30 females, 41 males) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] levels I-V) between the ages of 8 and 18 years. Estimated percentage body fat was computed using established (Slaughter) equations based on the triceps and subscapular skinfolds. A linear model was fitted to assess the use of a simple correction to these equations for children with CP.

Results

Slaughter's equations consistently underestimated percentage body fat (mean difference compared with DXA percentage body fat -9.6/100 [SD 6.2]; 95% c

SUBMITTER: Gurka MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2859115 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature