Stature prediction from knee height in Chinese elderly subjects

Knee height (KH) measurement is a recumbent anthropometric technique for the estimation of stature in nonambulatory elders. Based on the estimated stature, body mass index (BMI) could be derived for nutritional status assessment. The objective of this study was to verify the KH equations of Chumlea et al. (J Am Geriatr Soc 33:116-120, 1985) and if necessary develop population specific equations. Knee height calipers (Ross Laboratory) and a stadiometer were used to measure KH and stature in a group of institutionalized elders (26 males and 21 females) Differences between measured stature and calculated estimates using the Chumlea equation were -1.7 cm for females (t=2.43, P