Statistical approaches to relationships between sitting height and leg length in adults

Burton, R. F., Nevill, A. M., Stewart, A. D., Daniell, N. and Olds, T. (2013) Statistical approaches to relationships between sitting height and leg length in adults. Annals of Human Biology, 40(1), pp. 64-69. (doi: 10.3109/03014460.2012.739643) (PMID:23301801)

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Abstract

Background: Relationships between sitting height (SH) and leg length (LL) in adults are almost always studied in terms of ratios such as the Cormic Index (CI), SH/stature, rather than as primary variables. They are affected by genetics and childhood nutrition. Aim: To characterize these relationships and test whether the CI is ideal as an index of relative LL. Subjects and methods: Regression and reduced major axis (RMA) equations were calculated for 1653 men and women of European descent. For other population groups the RMA parameters were calculated from published means and standard deviations of SH and LL. Results: Linear and ‘allometric’ (power) equations fit the data equally well. For people of European origin the RMA equations for men and women do not differ significantly. Corresponding equations for other populations differ in line with published CIs. Conclusions: The linear equations suggest that LL tends to vary in proportion to SH minus a quantity similar to head height. A new index of relative LL may therefore be preferable to the CI for some research purposes to reflect this, but there is otherwise no strong reason to abandon the use of the CI.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Burton, Dr Richard
Authors: Burton, R. F., Nevill, A. M., Stewart, A. D., Daniell, N., and Olds, T.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
Journal Name:Annals of Human Biology
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0301-4460
ISSN (Online):1464-5033
Published Online:10 January 2013

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