Precision of recumbent crown-heel length when using an infantometer

BMC Pediatrics

Research Article

Eric O. Ohuma¹  Wm. Cameron Chumlea²  Stephen T. Ash³  Rachel M. Carew⁴  Leila Cheikh Ismail⁴  Fabien A. Puglia⁴  Deborah C. Bishop⁴  Ayesha Salem Al Dhaheri⁵ 

[1] Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Windmill road, OX3 7LD, Oxford, UK;Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Peter Medawar Building, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, OX1 3SY, Oxford, UK;Departments of Community Health and Pediatrics, Lifespan Health Research Center, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA;Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd, University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, UK;Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute, Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK;Nutrition and Health Department, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates;

关键词: Anthropometry;    Growth;    Pre-school children;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12887-016-0725-4

 received in 2016-05-28, accepted in 2016-11-08,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundCrown-heel length (CHL) measurement is influenced by technique, training, experience and subject cooperation. We investigated whether extending one or both of an infant’s legs affects the precision of CHL taken using an infantometer. The influence of staff training and infant cooperation were also examined.MethodsCHL was measured in children (aged 2), infants (aged 1) and newborns, by extending one or both legs. The subject’s level of cooperation was recorded. Mean differences were compared using Student’s t-test; intra- and inter-observer variability were assessed using Bland-Altman plots with 95 % limits of agreement. Intra- and inter-observer technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were also calculated.ResultsMeasuring CHL in newborns using only one leg resulted in significantly longer measurements. Across all groups, there was less inter-observer variability using both legs; 95 % limits of agreement were lower and TEMs smaller. Larger measurement differences were seen if children were uncooperative.ConclusionsThis study supports measuring CHL with both legs extended. The two-leg technique reduces variability and increases precision by allowing the measurer to control better the position and movements of the infant’s body.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016