A comparison of three methods for estimating height in the acutely ill elderly population

Abstract

The results showed that demi-span and half arm-span could be measured in the largest proportions of our population, 75.6 and 72.3%, respectively. The correlation coefficients were high for all three estimates of height, r = 0.86 for demi-span, r = 0.87 for arm-span, and r = 0.89 for knee height (P < 0.0001 for all three). However, agreement analysis demonstrated very poor agreement between standing height and all the methods of estimation. The mean differences were 4.33 cm for demi-span, 7.04 cm for arm-span and -0.6 cm for knee height.

True height and variability in estimates thereof across race and gender

“…25 These findings were supported by another British study investigating the elderly (> 65 years, n = 484), in that knee height was highly significantly (p < 0.001) correlated to standing height (r = 0.89). 28 Similar findings were reported in Indonesian Javanese elderly (55-69 years, n = 812), where knee height was highly significantly (p < 0.001) correlated to standing height in males (r = 0.86) and females (r = 0.75). 29 The relevance of knee height to the South African population was compared between the elderly (≥ 60 years, n = 1 233) and adults (18-59 years, n = 1 038).…”

“…12 However, the decrease in height differs among population groups, as displayed in British inpatients (> 65 years, n = 484), where the correlation was higher (r = 0.87, p < 0.001). 28 …”

Assessment and management of nutrition in older people and its importance to health

“…In these cases height should be obtained from certain body segments, such as leg, arm and arm span. 61 BMI can be unreliable in the presence of confounding factors such as ascites and edema. In addition it does not identify unintentional weight loss as a single assessment.…”

Standing Height and its Estimation Utilizing Foot Length Measurements in Adolescents from Western Region in Kosovo

“…Therefore, all these anthropometric indicators, which are used as an alternative to estimate standing height, are very important in predicting loss in standing height connected with aging. Also, to diagnose individuals with disproportionate growth abnormalities and skeletal dysplasia or standing height loss during surgical procedures on the spine (Mohanty et al, 2001), as well as to anticipate standing height in many older people as it is very difficult to measure it precisely, and sometimes impossible because of mobility problems and kyphosis (Hickson & Frost, 2003). Lastly, it is important to state that this knowledge finds its importance in sport since the standing height represents a significant factor which influences the success in various sport disciplines (Popovic, 2017).…”