The Use of Body Weight and Girth Measurements in Predicting Segmental Leg Volume of Females

Document Type

Article

Authors

Victor Katch, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ernest D. Michael Jr, University of California, Santa Barbara, California
Fidelis A. Amuchie, University of California, Santa Barbara, California

Abstract

The right leg volume of seventy college females was determined by the water-displacement technique. The mean volume, 9.80 liters (SD= 1.54), was not significantly different (P > .01) than the volume (9.56 liters, SD = 3.14) calculated from a combination of seven segmental leg volumes determined from girth measurements. Step-wise multiple regression analysis using the seven segmental volumes to predict total leg volume determined by the water-displacement technique yielded a multiple R of .95 with a standard error of estimate of 50 ml.The gluteal furrow circumference correlated r = .87 (Sey = 77.8 ml) with the criterion leg volume measurement. A multiple R of .92 (Sey = 64.8 ml) was obtained by including maximum calf, maximum knee and thigh circumferences. Body weight correlated r = .91 (S(>!/ = 63.8 ml) with leg volume, while a combination of body weight and maximum calf cir­cumference yielded a multiple R of .93, (Sry = 57.2 ml). Data including weight, density, length, and various girths of the leg were compared with previously reported data.

Erratum

all reference to the standard error of estimate, Sey, for predicting leg volume are incorrect. In all cases Sey should be read as a decimal of a liter, e.g., instead of reading 64 ml, it should be read as .64 liter or 640 ml. This does not change the basic analysis, interpretations, or conclusions of the study.

Recommended Citation

Katch, Victor; Michael, Ernest D. Jr; and Amuchie, Fidelis A. (1973) "The Use of Body Weight and Girth Measurements in Predicting Segmental Leg Volume of Females," Human Biology: Vol. 45: Iss. 2, Article 13.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol45/iss2/13