19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Estimation of Body Weight from Skeletal Dimensions in College Men and Women
Francine E. Schafer
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of estimating body weight from skeletal dimensions. College men (n=317) and women (n=533) enrolled in a wellness class volunteered to be measured for age, height, weight, and skeletal widths at the shoulder, hip, elbow, and knee. Four equations found in the literature produced average estimates that ranged from 52% below current weight to 45% above in men and from 74% below to 48% above in women. New equations were produced in random samples for each gender using multiple regression analysis and selected shoulder and knee widths in men (R=0.78, SEE=8.4 kg) and hip and knee widths in women (R=0.83, SEE=8.2 kg). Cross-validation of new equations produced better agreement with current weight than the other equations. Selected frame dimensions may aid in estimation of ideal weight with reasonable accuracy.
Keywords: body weight, skeletal dimensions
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-20
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15