title: Association of older women's limb circumferences and muscle mass as estimated with bioelectrical impedance.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between three practical measures used to characterize muscle mass: mid-arm circumference, maximum calf circumference, and muscle mass index determined using bioimpedance analysis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-eight ambulatory women residing in a senior center (mean age, 83 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Their mid-arm circumference and maximum calf circumference were measured bilaterally and they all underwent bioimpedance analysis. Relationships were examined by using Pearson (r) correlations, Cronbach's alpha, and factor analysis. [Results] Circumferential measures correlated significantly with one another (r = 0.745-0.968) and with the muscle mass index determined with bioimpedance analysis (r = 0.480-0.628). The Cronbach's alpha for the measures was 0.905. Factor analysis confirmed that all of the measures were reflective of a common construct. [Conclusion] On the basis of their correlations with one another and the muscle mass index determined with bioimpedance analysis, circumferential measures of the mid-arm or calf may be considered crude indicators of reduced muscle mass.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, USA.
authors.forename: Richard W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Bohannon
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Johnson
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Michal
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steffl
keywords: Anthropometrics; Body composition; Muscle