Assessment of bone health in children using an anthropometric method

Abstract

Objective: To estimate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in children of both sexes and to correlate these values with age and stage of maturity.

Methodology: A descriptive correlational study was conducted. Twenty-one schoolchildren from a school in the city of Iquitos (Peru) were evaluated. The sample was selected using non-probability (random) sampling. The age range was 12 to 15 years. Weight, standing height, sitting height, right forearm length, and right knee diameter were measured, and maturity status was calculated using Mirwald’s equations. Bone health was determined using anthropometric (non-invasive) equations for both sexes and for BMD and BMC.

Results: Males showed higher BMD and BMC than females (p<0.05). Higher positive correlations were observed between maturity status and chronological age in both sexes. The r values ranged from 0.68 to 0.83 for BMD and BMC with APVC (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that boys had higher BMD and BMC compared to girls, and there was a positive relationship with age and maturity status, although the relationship was stronger with maturity status.