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The measurement of body composition in children with spina bifida: Feasibility and preliminary findings. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2016 May 31;9(2):143-53

Date

06/11/2016

Pubmed ID

27285807

DOI

10.3233/PRM-160377

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84974731020 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   6 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of obtaining and comparing various methods of height and body composition (BC) measurements in children with spina bifida (SB).

METHODS: Fifteen children (7M/8F) with SB (4-18 years old) underwent weight, four height measurements (arm span, wall-mounted stadiometer, segmental and recumbent length) and five BC measurements: (BMI; BodPod®; DEXA; Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis; and skinfold). Data collectors, parents, and study participants evaluated procedures. The four heights as paired with the BC measurements were compared to the gold standard DEXA measurements.

RESULTS: Procedures were successfully completed in 14 of 15 children. Skinfolds and segmental length had a midlevel ranking of comfort. While no measures substituted for the DEXA scan, preliminary findings suggest that an algorithm may estimate BC in this high-risk population. Currently, arm span used within BodPod® measurements provided the closest agreement with the DEXA scan.

CONCLUSION: Study protocol was feasible and provided necessary information, including recommended modifications, for successful implementation of the planned subsequent study.

Author List

Polfuss M, Simpson P, Stolzman S, Moerchen V, Hovis S, Zhang L, Miranda H, Sawin K

Authors

Victoria Moerchen BA,BS,MS,PhD Assistant Professor in the Human Movement Sciences department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Pippa M. Simpson PhD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Absorptiometry, Photon
Adolescent
Body Composition
Body Height
Body Weight
Child
Child, Preschool
Feasibility Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Prospective Studies
Spinal Dysraphism