Relationship of anthropometric dimensions to lean body mass in children

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Abstract
The predictability of lean body mass [LBM], measured by whole-body 40K spectrometry, from skinfolds, circumferences and skeletal widths in children 7-12 yr of age is compared. The specific skinfold sites were back, upper arm, side, waist, abdomen and calf; the circumference sites were forearm, upper arm (flexed), wrist, thigh, calf and chest (deflated); skeletal widths included wrist, knee, ankle, elbow, shoulder and hip. In 163 boys, 3 skinfolds and body weight accounted for 89.7% of the variation in LBM, 2 circumferences and height and weight accounted for 87.2% of the variation in LBM, and 2 skeletal widths and height and weight accounted for 87.4% of the variation in LBM. Combining all measurement variables into 1 analysis resulted in 5 significant variables: weight, side skinfold, abdomen skinfold, forearm circumference and chest circumference with the coefficient of determination 90.6%, only slightly higher than with weight and 3 skinfolds. The significant variables from the combined analysis were used to predict LBM in 5 separate age groups of boys and a sample of 44 girls. In general, weight, forearm and chest circumference contributed positively to LBM and side and abdomen skinfolds contributed negatively. The regression coefficients for each site were not significantly different among age groups. LBM in children can be estimated from skinfolds, circumferences or skeletal widths with considerable success, as was the case in college-age adults.