Prediction of appendicular skeletal muscle mass of older women using anthropometry-based equations

Abstract

We evaluated the accuracy of two anthropometry-based equations, initially developed for middle-aged women for estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), when applied to a group of older women. Weight (kg), height (m) and triceps skinfold thickness (TrSFT, mm) of 94 randomly selected community-dwelling older women, aged 65-86 years were studied. The equations [ASMM1=5.366+0.255(W eight)-0.064 (Age)-0.078 (TrSFT) and ASMM2=0.204(Weight) +8.802(Height)-0.045 (Age)-7.405] were cross-validated using the ASMM measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (ASMM DXA ) as the reference standard. The concordance between ASMM DXA and ASMM estimated by the two equations were, ASMM1=R 2 :0.93, SEE: 0.51kg and ASMM2=R 2 :0.94, SEE: 0.48kg, respectively. Mean ASMM estimated by equations were not significantly different from mean ASMM DXA . We conclude that the two equations examined in this study estimate the ASMM of older women with high accuracy.