Age-related patterns of upper arm muscle and fat area in Turkish children and assessment of nutritional status

GÜLTEKİN T., KOCA ÖZER B., Katayama K., Akın G.

International Journal of Anthropology, vol.21, no.3-4, pp.231-239, 2006 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 3-4
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11599-007-9025-6
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Anthropology
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Anthropological Literature
  • Page Numbers: pp.231-239
  • Keywords: Anthropometry, Arm fat area, Arm muscle area, Turkish children
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Anthropometric estimation of midarm muscularity and fatness was employed as a general index of nutritional status in developing countries. The present study attempts to evaluate the sex- and age-related pattern of regional muscle and fat area characteristics in Turkish children. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1,068 10- to 14-year-old children (583 boys and 485 girls) from junior high schools in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. According to general anthropometric protocols, weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, and midarm circumference measurements were taken and socioeconomic data were collected. Arm muscle area (AMA) and arm fat area (AFA) were calculated and centile curves were evaluated using least median squares method. Results showed significant sexual dimorphism in muscle and fat patterning. AFA was found to be higher among girls and AMA among boys. The present findings suggest that the different levels of socioeconomic status (SES) appeared to be more prevalent on muscularity among boys (p < 0.05) and adiposity among girls (p < 0.001). © Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 2007.