The impact on body mass index by different methods to determine height in old adults

Rationale: Standing height (ht), considered golden standard, can be difficult to measure in sick and frail old adults. To estimate stature from other sources may therefore be appropriate. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential variations in BMI using various methods to determine ht. Methods: In 169 old adults (85±7 yrs), i.e. 100 geriatric patients and 69 nursing home residents, weight was collected from medical records. Ht was measured standing (n=107) or in stretched supine position (n=62), calculated using arm length (Haboubi) and demispan (Bassey). Moreover, ht was obtained from medical records, and recorded as self reported maximum ht. ANOVA significance tests were performed and Bland-Altman method was used for analysis of agreement with measured ht. Results: Data on ht by all five methods was obtained from 110 subjects (84±8 yrs, 53% w) (table). Self reported maximum ht differed from measured as well as from ht estimated from arm length and demispan (p