Development of new demi-span equations from a nationally representative sample of older people to estimate adult height.
OBJECTIVE
To develop new equations for the calculation of body mass index (BMI) of adults aged 65 and older for when an actual height measurement may not be possible or reflect attained height because of loss of height with aging or conditions such as kyphosis or osteoporosis.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, nationally representative samples; data from 1994, 2000 2005, and 2007.


METHODS
Adults aged 65 and older living in England.


METHODS
Two thousand four hundred fifty-four noninstitutitionalized adults aged 65 and older taking part in the Health Survey for England (HSE).


METHODS
Height and demi-span measurements (defined as the distance between the mid-point of the sternal notch and the finger roots with the arm outstretched laterally) were taken according to standard procedures.


RESULTS
Sex- and age-specific regression equations were produced from measured height and demi-span (DEH) using HSE 2005 data to develop new DEH equations (DEH(age)) from people aged 65 and older. The derived DEH(age) equation was applied to the HSE data for 1994, 2000, and 2007 to attempt to test its reliability. Analysis showed that DEH(age) predicts current height better than when using the Bassey equation (DEH(B) (assey)). DEH(age) can be used instead of a height measurement to derive other anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI) in older people.


CONCLUSIONS
The new equations developed for predicting current height in older people can be used to calculate BMI more accurately in older people.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Royal Free and University College, University College London, London, United Kingdom. v.hirani@ucl.ac.uk
Vasant
V
Hirani
Maria
M
Aresu
D000368:Aged; D001699:Biometry / Q000379:methods*; D001827:Body Height; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013249:Sternum