Affiliations: [a] College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA | [b] Department of Nursing Research, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee WI, USA | [c] Department of Pediatrics, Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA | [d] Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA | [e] College of Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA | [f] Self-Management Science Center, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Michele Polfuss, College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee/Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 1921 East Hartford Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211-3060, USA. Tel.: +1 414 229 2609; Fax: +1 414 229 6474; E-mail:mpolfuss@uwm.edu
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.
Keywords: Body composition, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, anthropometrics, height, BMI, pediatric
