title: Reliability of standard circumferences in domain-related constitutional applications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There may be no doubt that circumferences, measured at different sites of body segments, have a variety of applications. Studies using girths are based on assumed logic, but within a general context no literature is found as to the origin of choice of a particular circumference for a particular application. The purpose of this study is to relate each circumference (i) with the segmental tissue masses and (ii) with all whole-body tissue masses; in order to provide a complete constitutional reliability report of each girth available.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subsequent to an anthropometric protocol, 23 (9 male aged 74.8 ± 5.7 years and 14 female aged 79.2 ± 7.3 years) well-preserved white Caucasian cadavers, of lean subjects were dissected according to the 5-component model and expressed on its tissue-system level, for example, skin, muscle, adipose tissue, viscera, and bones.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The relations range from r = 0.80 to r = 0.99 (P < 0.01). A majority of circumferences (e.g., head, neck, upper thigh, mid-thigh, and calf) do represent what is expected. Other girths (e.g., waist, upper arm, elbow, forearm, and wrist) do not relate adequately to the assumed constituent.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests the appreciation of the waist circumference. This measure is not valid for lean individuals, but might be for the obese. It is suggested likewise that a combination of chest and hip circumference may have a more general application within the public health sector. In summary, evidence confirms the reliability of a series of circumferences but creates doubts or rejects other colloquially established perimeters.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tresignie
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tresignie
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jonathan
authors.forename: Aldo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scafoglieri
authors.forename: Scafoglieri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aldo
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pieter Clarys
authors.forename: Clarys Jan
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Pieter
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cattrysse
authors.forename: Cattrysse
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Erik
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001530:Belgium; D001835:Body Weight; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055105:Waist Circumference