Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop the predictive equations for estimation of stature, using knee height, arm span and sitting height in Indonesian Javanese elderly people. Eight-hundred and twelve healthy elderly people (295 men and 517 women) participated in this cross sectional study. Standing height, weight, knee height, arm span and sitting height were measured. The Chumlea and Eleanor equations were validated in this study. The first equation showed that the mean difference of predicted height compared to actual height in men was 2.78 and 4.90 cm in women. The second equation revealed that the value of difference in men was 2.87 cm and in women was 13.26 cm. Arm span showed the highest correlation with standing height on men (r = 0.815) and women (r = 0.754). Aging was associated with decreased mean of height, weight, arm span and sitting height, but not on knee height in the two sexes.  Arm span has the highest validity to predict stature on healthy Javanese elderly people. The correlation coefficient of arm span to actual height was larger on men than women. Stature of Indonesian Javanese elderly people can be estimated by the regression model from the three predictors developed in the study.

Key words:  Elderly, knee height, arm span, sitting height, Chumlea, Eleanor.