title: Sitting height as a better predictor of body mass than total height and (body mass)/(sitting height)(3) as an index of build.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Rohrer Index and the ratio of sitting height (SH) to height fall similarly with growth in early childhood, then level off and rise slightly towards adulthood. In adults the BMI correlates with SH/height. The mean cross-sectional areas of the legs of adults are correlated positively with upper body masses and negatively with leg lengths.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To find an index of body build that is less dependent on relative leg length and age in children and adults than are the BMI and the Rohrer Index.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published data are analysed to establish the relative importance of SH and leg length as predictors of body mass and to investigate the age dependence of the ratio (body mass)/SH(3).
  
  
  RESULTS
  SH is a much better predictor of body mass than height, with leg length being barely relevant. Average values of (body mass)/SH(3) vary very little over the age range of 1-25 years, despite small non-random fluctuations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ratio (body mass)/SH(3) is proposed as a useful "sitting-height index of build" that is superior to the Rohrer Index and could prove better than the BMI as a predictor of adiposity. Further studies are needed, notably using individual data and fat-free masses.
authors.affiliation: School of Life Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow , Glasgow , UK.
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Burton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: BMI; Cormic Index; Rohrer Index; children; sitting-height index of build