Body proportions in three Nigerian tribes.
Prediction equations of body composition based on measurements of whole-body bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) have been found to be population-specific. It was hypothesised that this may be, in part, due to differences in proportional limb lengths between ethnic or racial groups. As a preliminary to a survey of body composition in urban Nigerians using BIA, the relative limb lengths of the three major tribal groups (Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo) were determined. We found small (5-9%) but significantly longer limb lengths in Nigerians compared to a Caucasian population, but no significant differences between tribes. This implies that BIA prediction equations generated in a Caucasian population are inappropriate for use in a Nigerian population.
Azinge
E C
EC
University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Mabayoje
M
M
Ward
L C
LC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D001824:Body Constitution; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D044465:White People