Validity and Reliability of Skinfold Measurement in Assessing Body Fatness of Chinese Children

以皮褶厚度測量來評估中國兒童體脂肪的信度和效度

Daniel Chi-Shing Yeung ； Stanley Sai-Chuen Hui

《Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition》 19卷3期 (2010/09) Pp. 350-357

https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.2010.19.3.09

摘要

Background: Validity and reliability of skinfold equations in estimating body fat in Chinese Children has not been documented. Objective: Using Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) as a criterion, the validity and reliability of skinfold (SKF) measurement in predicting percent body fat (%fat) of Chinese children in Hong Kong were evaluated. Design: 230 Chinese children in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in measurements of ADP, body height and weight, waist and arm circumferences, and skinfold (SKF) from different body sites. A sub-sample of 41 participants was asked to take an additional measurement of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). %fat was measured from ADP, DXA, and estimated from Slaughter SKF equations. Results: internal consistency of SKF and ADP measurements were very high (r≥0.988). Significant difference was found between %fatSlaughter and %fatADP (p＜0.05). The Slaughter equations slightly underestimate %fat (boys: 1.52%; girls: 1.84%). The slope of the regression line for boys and both the slope and intercept of regression line for prepubescent girls were significantly different from the line of identity. Subsequent stepwise regression found the best model for boys includes predictors of height, and Σ3SKF (triceps, calf, and suprailiac) (R^2=0.88, SE=3.70), and that for girls includes height, Σ2SKF (triceps and calf), and waist circumference (R^2=0.71, SE=3.38). The most convenient model for both genders required only triceps and age (boys: R^2=0.81, SE=4.67; girls: R^2=0.63, SE=3.77). Conclusions: Skinfold measurements provide valid and reliable %fat estimation in Chinese children. However, the application of Slaughter equations in Chinese children is questionable. Alternative skinfold models are proposed.

關鍵字

兒童肥胖 ； 體組成 ； 幼兒測量 ； 過重 ； 生長與發育

並列摘要

Background: Validity and reliability of skinfold equations in estimating body fat in Chinese Children has not been documented. Objective: Using Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) as a criterion, the validity and reliability of skinfold (SKF) measurement in predicting percent body fat (%fat) of Chinese children in Hong Kong were evaluated. Design: 230 Chinese children in Hong Kong were recruited to participate in measurements of ADP, body height and weight, waist and arm circumferences, and skinfold (SKF) from different body sites. A sub-sample of 41 participants was asked to take an additional measurement of Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). %fat was measured from ADP, DXA, and estimated from Slaughter SKF equations. Results: internal consistency of SKF and ADP measurements were very high (r≥0.988). Significant difference was found between %fatSlaughter and %fatADP (p＜0.05). The Slaughter equations slightly underestimate %fat (boys: 1.52%; girls: 1.84%). The slope of the regression line for boys and both the slope and intercept of regression line for prepubescent girls were significantly different from the line of identity. Subsequent stepwise regression found the best model for boys includes predictors of height, and Σ3SKF (triceps, calf, and suprailiac) (R^2=0.88, SE=3.70), and that for girls includes height, Σ2SKF (triceps and calf), and waist circumference (R^2=0.71, SE=3.38). The most convenient model for both genders required only triceps and age (boys: R^2=0.81, SE=4.67; girls: R^2=0.63, SE=3.77). Conclusions: Skinfold measurements provide valid and reliable %fat estimation in Chinese children. However, the application of Slaughter equations in Chinese children is questionable. Alternative skinfold models are proposed.

並列關鍵字

childhood obesity ； body composition ； pediatric measurement ； overweight ； growth and development