Prediction of appendicular skeletal muscle mass of older women using anthropometry-based equations

We evaluated the accuracy of two anthropometry-based equations, initially developed for middle-aged women for estimating appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), when applied to a group of older women. Weight (kg), height (m) and triceps skinfold thickness (TrSFT, mm) of 94 randomly selected community-dwelling older women, aged 65–86 years were studied. The equations [ASMM1= 5.366+0.255(Weight)-0.064(Age)-0.078(TrSFT) and ASMM2 = 0.204(Weight) +8.802(Height)-0.045(Age)-7.405] were cross-validated using the ASMM measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (ASMMDXA) as the reference standard. The concordance between ASMMDXA and ASMM estimated by the two equations were, ASMM1=R2:0.93, SEE: 0.51kg and ASMM2=R2:0.94, SEE: 0.48kg, respectively. Mean ASMM estimated by equations were not significantly different from mean ASMMDXA. We conclude that the two equations examined in this study estimate the ASMM of older women with high accuracy.