Keywords:
Tissue characterisation, Outcomes, Metabolic disorders, Normal variants, Diagnostic procedure, Comparative studies, Absorptiometry / Bone densitometry, Musculoskeletal soft tissue, Extremities
Authors:
F. Ponti1, D. Diano1, S. Guerri1, M. Agostini1, M. Amadori1, G. Sadotti1, U. Albisinni2, G. Battista1, A. Bazzocchi1; 1Bologna/IT, 2Bologna /IT
DOI:
10.1594/essr2016/P-0086
Conclusion
In our study AC and ThC showed significant statistical correlations with FM and LM of both total and segmental upper and lower extremities,
respectively (Table 3-4).
Nevertheless,
the analysis focused on lower limbs highlighted a gender-based difference for the predictive value of lower extremity anthropometric measures (ThC): the best correlation was proved for LM in males and FM in females (Table 3).
Regression analysis for AC did not demonstrate a difference between sexes showing the best correlation for FM in both males and females (Table 4).
Our results were different from what stated by Kwok et al.
in fact,
in their study the correlations between AC and BC of upper limbs were different in the two sexes; the best predictive value was demonstrated for LM in males and FM in females [15].
In the study of Coin and colleagues LM of the lower limbs was significantly higher on the right than the left side at all ages [16],
while in our study no statistically significant difference was achieved between LM of right and left lower limbs.
As well,
no statistically significant differences for the results of regression analysis were documented among subsegments of limbs and anthropometric measures (AC and ThC) (Table 3-4).
The lack of assessments of skinfold thicknesses,
bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and other measurements actually used in clinical practice represents the major limitation for our study.
The results of this study are not truly representative of the entire Italian population,
because the enrolment was centred in Emilia Romagna.
However,
Emilia Romagna is one of the most populated regions of Italy and it is possible to state,
with due reservation,
that this region has a “well-balanced” population concerning phenotype,
life-style (and immigration policy),
if compared with northern or southern Italian populations,
or to other isolated populations.
The results are restricted to normal- and over-weight subjects.
Hence further researches conducted on obese patients are required.
An extension to older ages would also be recommended,
although recruitment criteria assumed in this study would be hardly respected.
In conclusion,
according to our results,
anthropometry of upper extremities showed higher correlations with FM than LM in both males and females,
independently of age; anthropometry of lower extremities showed higher correlations with FM than LM in females.
Hence,
for the assessment of BC of upper and lower limbs a densitometric examination should be performed.