Development of subcutaneous fat in Spanish and Latin American children and adolescents: Reference values for biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds.

Subcutaneous fat skinfolds represent a reliable assessment instrument of adiposity status. This study provides current percentile references for four subcutaneous skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) applicable to children and adolescents in Spain and in Latin American countries where data are scarce. The design consisted of a cross-sectional multicenter study performed with identical methods in 5 countries (Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela). Total sample comprised 9163 children and youths (boys 4615 - girls 4548) aged 6-18 years, healthy and without apparent pathologies. Percentiles 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95 and 97 were calculated by the LMS method. Sexual dimorphism was assessed using the t-test and age differences with ANOVA. Normalized growth percentile references were obtained according to sex and age for each skinfold. The mean values of four skinfolds were significantly greater in girls than boys (p<0.001) and, in both sexes, all skinfolds show statistical differences through age (p<0.001) with different magnitudes. Except triceps in girls, peaks between 11 and 12 years of age are more noticeable in boys than in girls. Although the general model of growth is known, the skinfold measurements show variability among populations and differences of magnitude are presented according to the analyzed population. Therefore, these age and sex-specific reference percentile values for biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds, derived from a large sample of Spanish and Latin American children and adolescents, are a useful tool for adiposity diagnosis in this population for which no reference values were available.

Errores técnicos de medida en el diagnóstico de la desnutrición infantil: datos procedentes de intervenciones de Acción Contrael Hambre entre 2001 y 2010 / Technical errors of measurement in the diagnosis of child malnutrition: data from ACF interventions between 2001 and 2010

Se analiza la calidad de las medidas antropométricas efectuadas por 199 antropometristas que actuaron en 17 encuestas nutricionales de Acción Contra el Hambre efectuadas en Afganistán, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Mali, República de Myanmar y Filipinas. Para las tres dimensiones analizadas: peso, talla y perímetro del brazo (MUAC) el error técnico de medida (ETM) absoluto es aceptable, aunque supera el reseñado en la estandarización del Multicenter Growth Reference Study de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). El nivel de competencia de los equipos de antropometristas que midieron en las 17 intervenciones difiere significativamente. El error técnico de medida relativo (ETM%) supera el margen de tolerancia para el peso en una de las encuestas y en cinco para el MUAC. Por lo que respecta al ETM% inter-observador, se encuentra en un rango adecuado para la talla y el peso, pero excede el nivel de tolerancia recomendado en 11 de las 17 campañas de intervención. Se recomienda hacer énfasis en la formación del personal técnico encargado de tomar las medidas antropométricas y tener especial cuidado en la medida del MUAC (AU)

We analyze the quality of the anthropometric measurements made by 199 anthropometrists who acted in 17 nutritional surveys conducted by ACF in Afgha - nistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Mali, Republic of Myanmar and the Philippines. For the three dimensions analyzed: weight, height and arm circumference (MUAC) the technical error of measurement (TEM) is acceptable, although it is over high than standardization values, outlined in the Multicenter Growth Reference Study of the World Helath Organization (WHO). The level of competence anthropometrists teams that measured in the 17 interventions differ significantly. The relative technical error of measurement (TEM%) exceeds the tolerance for the weight in one survey and five for MUAC. With respect to the TEM% inter-observer is in a suitable range for height and weight, but exceeds the recommended tolerance level in 11 of the 17 intervention campaigns. It is recommended to emphasize the training of technical staff in charge of taking anthropometric measurements and take special care in measuring the MUAC (AU)

Dinamometría en niños y jóvenes de entre 6 y 18años: valores de referencia, asociación con tamaño y composición corporal / Handgrip strength in children and teenagers aged from 6 to 18 years: Reference values and relationship with size and body composition

Introducción: la dinamometría es una prueba importante para evaluar el rendimiento físico y la condición nutricional de los sujetos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue elaborar un estándar de referencia para la fuerza muscular estática de la mano, aplicable a la población española de ambos sexos de entre 6 y 18años. Al mismo tiempo, profundizar en el conocimiento de la variación normal de esta característica en función de la edad, el sexo, el tamaño y la composición corporal. Material y métodos: la muestra se compuso de 2.125 sujetos de entre 6 y 18años (1.176 varones y 949 mujeres). La fuerza de presión de ambas manos se tomó con un dinamómetro ajustable digital. Se midió el peso, la talla, el perímetro del brazo y los pliegues adiposos subcutáneos. Se estimó el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el peso magro (PM), o libre de grasa, el porcentaje de grasa corporal y las áreas mesobraquiales. Se analizó la variabilidad ontogénica y sexual, y se elaboraron los correspondientes estándares con la media, la desviación estándar y la distribución percentilar para cada mano según sexo y edad. El análisis de correlación múltiple estableció la asociación entre fuerza manual, IMC y variables de composición corporal. Resultados y conclusiones: se observó un incremento de la dinamometría con la edad y un dimorfismo sexual significativo a partir de los 12 años. Se aportan tablas con valores obtenidos en niños y jóvenes españoles sanos para su uso como patrón de referencia. Del análisis efectuado se deduce que la fuerza estática de la mano se correlaciona más fuertemente con el PM y el área muscular del brazo que con las variables directas de tamaño o IMC (AU)

Introduction: Handgrip strength is an important test to evaluate physical fitness and nutritional status. The main objective of this research is to prepare a reference standard applicable to the Spanish population of both sexes between 6 and 18 years old. At the same time, to extend our knowledge of normal variation of this characteristic with age, gender, size and body composition. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 2125 subjects between the 6 and 18 years (1176 boys and 949 girls). The handgrip strength of both hands was taken with a digital adjustable dynamometer. Weight, height, forearm circumference and skin fold thickness were measured mass index, fat free. Body mass, percentage of fat and total, muscle and fat forearm areas were estimated. Ontogenetic and sexual variability of dynamometric force was analysed and a table was produced with the mean, standard deviation and percentile distribution, by hand, age and gender. Multiple correlation analysis was applied to establish the relationship between handgrip dynamometric force, body mass index and body composition variables. Results and conclusion: Handgrip strength increases with age and a significant sexual dimorphism from the age of 12 years is observed. Growth charts with normal values obtained in healthy Spanish children and teenagers could be used as a reference pattern. The correlation between hand static force and fat free mass or arm muscle area is stronger than with direct size variables or body mass index (AU)

[Handgrip strength in children and teenagers aged from 6 to 18 years: reference values and relationship with size and body composition]. / Dinamometría en niños y jóvenes de entre 6 y 18años: valores de referencia, asociación con tamaño y composición corporal.

INTRODUCTION: Handgrip strength is an important test to evaluate physical fitness and nutritional status. The main objective of this research is to prepare a reference standard applicable to the Spanish population of both sexes between 6 and 18 years old. At the same time, to extend our knowledge of normal variation of this characteristic with age, gender, size and body composition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 2125 subjects between the 6 and 18 years (1176 boys and 949 girls). The handgrip strength of both hands was taken with a digital adjustable dynamometer. Weight, height, forearm circumference and skin fold thickness were measured mass index, fat free. Body mass, percentage of fat and total, muscle and fat forearm areas were estimated. Ontogenetic and sexual variability of dynamometric force was analysed and a table was produced with the mean, standard deviation and percentile distribution, by hand, age and gender. Multiple correlation analysis was applied to establish the relationship between handgrip dynamometric force, body mass index and body composition variables. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Handgrip strength increases with age and a significant sexual dimorphism from the age of 12 years is observed. Growth charts with normal values obtained in healthy Spanish children and teenagers could be used as a reference pattern. The correlation between hand static force and fat free mass or arm muscle area is stronger than with direct size variables or body mass index.