Correlation of triceps skin fold with BMI in age matched men: anthropometric analysis

ABSTRACT

To study the thickness of the triceps subcutaneous fat measured by the caliper anthropometry, in age matched individuals having different body mass indices; and to determine if there is any correlation between the thickness of subcutaneous fat with that of the body mass index [BMI]. Cohort prospective. This study was conducted at Anatomy Dept, Nishtar Medical College, Multan from August 2010 to December 2010. Observations were made on 260 healthy men of 20-50 years of age. Regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient were computed and are statistically significant [p < 0.05-0.01]. The results reveal that the triceps skin fold fat was very strongly correlated [range = 0.88 to 0.96] in all age groups. While in case of BMI it good in Groups I and II. On the other hand Age and BMI show little correlation with that of triceps muscle area. The results are statistically significant p value being 0.05 to .01. The study reflects some limitations of triceps anthropometry in estimating obesity but still has value in assessing nutritional status in special circumstances like refugee camps, schools