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PubMed1990

A comparison of anthropometry with computed tomography in limbs of young and aged men.

Arm and leg composition determined by anthropometry (AP, girths, and skinfolds) were compared with computed tomography (CT) in 7 young (mean age 31.4y) and 13 old (74.8y) males. Five transverse CT scans, girths, and skinfold measurements were made. In each CT image, total cross-sectional area (CSA), bone CSA, muscle compartment CSA, and "pure" muscle CSA within the compartment were measured. Corresponding volumes were also calculated. Total limb and muscle plus bone CSA and volumes were estimated from AP measures. The two methods were compared, and multiple regression analyses were used to predict component CSA and volumes from AP measures. In both groups, AP component measures in the leg provided more accurate values than in the arm. Skin plus subcutaneous tissue in the old was not well estimated by AP. The greater preponderance of nonmuscle tissue in the muscle compartments of the old, as determined from CT images, was not related to any AP estimates. Prediction equations for various component areas and volumes were derived. Some equations derived for the young could not be obtained for the old due to the reduced ability of AP to accurately assess limb composition of aged men.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Diet, anthropometry and breast cancer: integration of experimental and epidemiologic approaches.

The interrelation ships of dietary fat and energy, growth rates and anthropometry, and breast carcinogenesis have been examined by a diverse array of approaches throughout the last 50 y as new investigative tools have been developed by laboratory scientists and epidemiologists. A consensus among investigators has not emerged, however, and dietary recommendations for breast cancer prevention have not been clearly formulated or effectively communicated to the public. Indeed, the gap between those investigators utilizing laboratory-based approaches and those using epidemiologic models has expanded in recent years. Cancer epidemiologists have become increasingly skeptical that results derived form laboratory animal models of breast carcinogenesis and in vitro systems are directly applicable to human breast cancer risk. Concurrently, laboratory scientists have questioned the ability of epidemiological tools to accurately measure dietary intake and relevant biomarkers and to account for a diverse array of potentially confounding environmental and genetic factors characteristic of human populations under study. These polarized views are reinforced by a failure of investigators using diverse approaches to interact, integrate their skills and resources, develop novel hypotheses, and propose solutions using both laboratory and epidemiologic techniques. Therefore, the objectives of this symposium are to summarize experimental and epidemiologic knowledge, foster communication and collaboration, and attempt to identify appropriate studies to bridge the gaps in our knowledge concerning dietary lipid and energy, anthropometrics, and breast cancer risk.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Perspectives on integrating experimental and epidemiologic research on diet, anthropometry and breast cancer.

Three perspectives on the integration of experimental and epidemiologic research on diet, anthropometry and breast cancer are presented. 1) Although body weight and height have been linked to breast cancer risk by epidemiologic research, their roles have not been directly explored with animal models. However, basic, clinical and epidemiologic research on obesity and associated metabolic alterations may be pertinent. Individual differences in the timing and magnitude of weight gain and loss during adult life need to be considered in epidemiologic studies of adiposity and breast cancer, along with individual differences in the pattern of body fat deposition, the hormonal and metabolic changes that accompany the adiposity, and family history of obesity-related chronic diseases. Animal models with genetic predispositions to obesity, diabetes and breast cancer merit further exploration, as well as models that can evaluate exposures occurring after puberty. 2) The synergy between experimental and epidemiologic studies on fat and energy intake and breast carcinogenesis has been productive because each discipline has had to incorporate recent findings of the other. Dietary studies utilizing animals with different genetic profiles are promising, but require identification of the critical genes in human carcinogenesis. 3) Controlled dietary intervention studies with human participants using intermediate endpoints can bridge the gap between animal and epidemiologic studies, but generally accepted intermediate endpoints for breast cancer need to be developed. Such studies would permit better control of diet than large clinical trials and the opportunity to explore mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Determination of vitamin B-6 estimated average requirement and recommended dietary allowance for children aged 7-12 years using vitamin B-6 intake, nutritional status and anthropometry.

The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B-6 for children were recently estimated by extrapolating from adult values because of limited available information. To determine vitamin B-6 requirements and provide recommendations for intakes, vitamin B-6 intake, nutritional status and anthropometry of 168 healthy children (79 boys and 89 girls) were studied in Tainan, Taiwan. Direct and indirect vitamin B-6 status indicators were measured in plasma, erythrocytes and urine. Anthropometric data of children in this study were similar to those of the first Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) conducted in 1993-1996. The plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) concentration of each child was >/=30 nmol/L, indicating an adequate vitamin B-6 status. Daily dietary vitamin B-6 intakes of boys and girls were 0.80 +/- 0.16 and 0.74 +/- 0.16 mg/d, respectively. Daily dietary vitamin B-6 intakes of children who had adequate urinary 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) (>3.0 micro mol/L), erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activity coefficient (EALT-AC) (<1.25) and aspartate aminotransferase activity coefficient (EAST-AC) (<1.8) were not different from those of children who had adequate plasma PLP, although the percentages of adequacy for urinary 4-PA, EALT-AC and EAST-AC ranged from 20 to 91%. Vitamin B-6 status indicators were strongly correlated with vitamin B-6 intake. Adequate values of PLP, EALT-AC, EAST-AC and urinary 4-PA were used to determine the EAR according to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) committee methodology. We determined the vitamin B-6 EAR (RDA) for boys and girls aged 7-12 y to be 0.84 (1.01) and 0.75 (0.89) mg/d, respectively.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Assessment of vitamin B-6 estimated average requirement and recommended dietary allowance for adolescents aged 13-15 years using vitamin B-6 intake, nutritional status and anthropometry.

Because of limited available information, the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B-6 for adolescents were recently estimated by extrapolation from adult values. To determine vitamin B-6 requirements and to provide recommendations for intakes, vitamin B-6 intake, nutritional status and anthropometry were studied in 134 healthy adolescents (63 boys and 71 girls) aged 13-15 y in Tainan, Taiwan. Direct and indirect vitamin B-6 indicators were measured in plasma, erythrocytes and urine. The anthropometric data of the adolescents in this study were similar to those of the first Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT), conducted from 1993 to 1996, showing the normal growth and development of this adolescent group. All subjects had plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) concentrations > or = 20 nmol/L, indicating an adequate vitamin B-6 status. The mean dietary vitamin B-6 intakes of boys and girls were 1.04 +/- 0.24 and 0.83 +/- 0.26 mg/d, respectively. Vitamin B-6 status indicators, including plasma PLP, erythrocyte alanine activity coefficient (EALT-AC), aspartate aminotransferase activity coefficient (EAST-AC) and urinary 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA), were correlated with vitamin B-6 intake (r = 0.84, -0.84, -0.77 and 0.86, respectively, P < 0.01). Adequate values of plasma PLP (> or = 20 nmol/L), EALT-AC (<1.25), EAST-AC (<1.8) and urinary 4-PA (>3.0 micromol/d) were used to determine the EAR according to the Dietary Reference Intake committee methodology. The present study suggests that vitamin B-6 EAR (RDA) for adolescent boys and girls aged 13-15 y are 1.07 (1.28) and 0.90 (1.08) mg/d, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Assessment of total body water and lean body mass from anthropometry, Watson formula, creatinine kinetics, and body electrical impedance compared with antipyrine kinetics in peritoneal dialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Indirect methods such as anthropometry (A), Watson formula (W), creatinine kinetics (CK), and body electrical impedance (BEI) are increasingly applied to determine total body water (TBW) and lean body mass (LBM) in dialysis patients. These methods share the disadvantage that they have been validated for healthy men only. We studied which of these four commonly applied methods can best be used routinely in CAPD patients. METHODS: TBW estimates obtained from A, W, CK, and BEI were compared with those obtained by a gold standard (antypirine distribution volume, ADV) in eight CAPD patients. In addition, several BEI equations to derive lean body mass (LBM) were compared with LBM estimated by ADV in order to determine which equation is the most valuable for the assessment of LBM by BEI in CAPD patients. RESULTS: TBW as ADV was 41.4 +/- 6.6 (mean +/- SD) L. TBW estimated by W, A and CK underestimated ADV by a mean +/- SD of 2.3 +/- 13, 5 +/- 8.4 and 12.3 +/- 10.9% respectively. TBW as measured by BEI overestimated ADV by 2.5 +/- 8.8%. The correlation coefficients between ADV-TBW and TBW estimated by the indirect methods were r = 0.88 (A), r = 0.87 (BEI), r = 0.82 (CK), and 0.68 (W). LBM estimated by ADV was 56.7 +/- 8.9 (mean +/- SD) kg; LBM by different BEI equations ranged from 49.9 +/- 7 to 58.1 +/- 10.7 kg. The correlation coefficient between LBM by ADV and LBM according to the various BEI equations ranged from 0.81 to 0.93. CONCLUSION: A and BEI can be used to estimate TBW, but the considerable SD (or inaccuracy) makes individual predictions hazardous. Considering the correlation coefficients and difference between LBM by ADV and LBM according to different BEI equations, Deurenberg's formula can be advocated for use in the estimation of LBM by BEI.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Child anthropometry in cross-sectional surveys in developing countries: an assessment of the survivor bias.

In cross-sectional surveys, the sample of children with anthropometric measurements is not representative of all children in a birth cohort, since only children surviving to the survey date are measured. This survivor bias may have implications for studies of trends and differentials in anthropometric indicators. In this paper, the effects of the survivor bias on the estimates of child anthropometric indicators are assessed by 1) reviewing evidence from longitudinal studies on the prevalence of malnutrition among deceased children and among surviving children and by 2) analyzing retrospective data on child mortality and cross-sectional data on child anthropometry in 17 national surveys that are part of the Demographic and Health Surveys Program. It is concluded that comparisons of anthropometric data across geographic units, population subgroups, and calendar time are marginally affected by the survivor bias, unless mortality differences between the birth cohorts are very large (e.g., well over 50 per 1,000 births).

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2001

Vitamin A and neonatal anthropometry.

Low levels of vitamin A have a major impact on growth, development, and immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between cord concentrations of vitamin A and neonatal anthropometry in 711 babies born at term in Brazil. Gestational age of the babies was evaluated by the Capurro method. Vitamin A was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations of vitamin A in cord blood correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with birthweight (r = 0.24), length (r = 0.20), chest circumference (r = 0.24), mid-upper arm circumference (r = 0.23), triceps skinfold thickness (r = 0.26), and head circumference (r = 0.12) of the babies. The anthropometric measurements of the babies were sorted by the vitamin A concentrations (means and standard deviations) and divided into quartiles. Differences between the quartiles were tested by analysis of variance. Babies in the bottom length, head circumference and triceps skinfold thickness quartiles had lower mean vitamin A concentrations than those of quartiles two, three and four. Babies in the bottom birthweight, chest and mid-upper arm circumferences quartiles had lower mean vitamin A concentrations than those of quartiles three and four (p < 0.003). These data shows that smaller/shorter babies had lower concentrations of vitamin A than heavier/longer babies, probably reflecting the important role of this micronutrient on growth.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1997

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: anthropometry, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I.

BACKGROUND: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction has been shown to cause growth retardation in children, though literature is scant. No information is available regarding the cause of growth retardation in these patients. METHODS: To document the presence of growth retardation in this disease, we studied growth and nutrition in 33 consecutive prepubertal patients. Anthropometry, fasting growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I levels were compared in 22 well-nourished patients from this group with 35 age-matched well-nourished controls. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD height standard deviation score of well-nourished patients (-1.88 +/- 1.33) was significantly below that of the controls (-1.06 +/- 0.64, p < 0.01). Patients also had significantly lower midarm muscle circumference z scores (-2.65 +/- 1.09) than controls (-1.17 +/- 1.09, p < 0.0001), though triceps skinfold thickness z scores were comparable in the two groups (-1.06 +/- 0.68 vs -1.24 +/- 0.79, p = NS). Insulin-like growth factor I z scores were significantly lower in patients (-1.48 +/- 0.88) than in controls (-0.49 +/- 1.09, p < 0.001), whereas basal growth hormone was significantly higher in patients (4.60 +/- 3.70 mIU/L) compared with controls (2.66 +/- 0.82, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children leads to growth retardation. Anthropometric and preliminary hormonal evaluation suggest resistance to the action of growth hormone as a possible mechanism.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1998

Ophthalmic anthropometry for Hong Kong Chinese adults.

A database of ophthalmic anthropometry is established which is useful for the design of spectacles for southeast Asian people. Statistical analysis reveals significant variations in the facial dimensions between male and female subjects. Results of the study are given separately for each sex and for the combined population. Hong Kong Chinese are found to have larger frontal angles, bigger angles of splay, and a less prominent bridge in the nose. Spectacle frames should be designed according to the targeted gender population, and to accommodate the characteristics of Asian faces.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Anthropometry and blood pressure differences in black Caribbean, African, South Asian and white adolescents: the MRC DASH study.

OBJECTIVES: In this first large-scale study of ethnic differences in blood pressure (BP) among British adolescents, we examine the differences in BP levels in adolescence and the extent to which age, sex, body size and stage of maturation affect any observed differences. METHOD: A total of 6365 11-13 year olds (including 1189 white, 907 black Caribbeans and 1056 black Africans, 473 Indians, 605 Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, and 548 of mixed ethnicity) had systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), anthropometry and pubertal stage measured in 2003. RESULTS: Compared with their white UK counterparts, black Caribbean and African boys were taller, and black Caribbean and African girls were taller, larger and matured earlier. Except for DBP among Indian girls, BP in minority groups was generally lower than in white UK children. Adjusted for age, height and body mass index, mean SBP was 109.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval 108.4, 109.8) and DBP 65.7 mmHg (65.2, 66.3) among white UK boys. Black Caribbean boys had lower SBP (-2.0; -3.2, -0.9 mmHg) and DBP (-1.5; -2.3, -0.6), and black African (-2.3; -3.4, -1.2) and mixed ethnicity (-1.6; -2.9, -0.3) boys had lower SBP. Adjusted SBP was 108.5 (107.8, 109.3) and DBP was 67.5 mmHg (66.9, 68.1) among white UK girls. Pakistani (-1.8; -3.2, -0.4) and black African (-1.1; -1.9, -0.3) girls had lower SBP and Indian girls (1.2; 0.1, 2.4) had higher DBP. Unlike African American girls, late puberty was not associated with higher BP in minority groups. CONCLUSION: At these ages, the ethnic-specific patterns in BP in adulthood were not observed. Apart from higher DBP for Indian girls, BP in minority groups was generally lower than their white UK counterparts. Targeting intervention in adolescence may be a critical opportunity for preventing ethnic differences in BP in later life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2007

Severity of erectile dysfunction in married impotent patients: interrelationship with anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) or cardiovascular disease on the disease severity in impotent men. METHODS: A total of 87 men, 25-75 years old (mean age, 53.4) were included in the study. Patients were evaluated with anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle. Baseline erectile function (EF) was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The severity of ED was classified into the following four grades based on the six-item EF domain of the IIEF: severe (6-10); moderate (11-16); mild to moderate (17-21); and mild (22-25). Patients were deemed to have metabolic syndrome (MS) if they had three or more of five criteria according to National Cholesterol Education Program, with some modification. RESULTS: Of 87 patients, 15 patients (17.2%) had mild, 11 (12.6%) had mild to moderate, 33 (37.9%) had moderate and 28 (32.3%) had severe ED. There was no correlation between scores of IIEF or EF domain and continuous parameters. On the multivariate model used, hypertensive patients had 26-fold higher risk (odds ratio, 26.195; 95% confidence interval, 1.463-46.072; P = 0.027) of severe ED than those without hypertension. Other factors were not significant. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that MS might not influence the severity of ED in impotent men. However, our findings suggest that hypertension plays a role in the disease severity in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Absorption of radiolabelled soluble insulin in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes: influence of subcutaneous blood flow and anthropometry.

The rate of absorption of soluble insulin, and its relationships with subcutaneous blood flow (SCBF) and patients' anthropometry, were investigated in 12 male Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients of less than 10 yr disease duration (age range: 23-29 yr; body mass index (BMI): 22.2-30.8 kg m-2). Simultaneous assessment of the absorption of 125I-labelled soluble insulin and SCBF (99mTechnetium clearance) were performed, on separate study days, for the anterior abdominal wall, anterior mid-thigh, and the upper arm injection sites. Absorption of 125I soluble insulin, including during the lag-phase, was determined by the two- and three-parameters biexponential models description of residual radioactivity levels at the injection site. Anthropometric measurements utilized were: BMJ, ultrasonic measurement of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer, and caliper skinfold thickness at anterior abdominal wall, biceps, triceps, anterior mid-thigh and subscapular sites. Rate-constants for absorption of soluble insulin were positively correlated with SCBF (Spearman rank coefficient (rs) = 0.33-0.55; p < 0.01-0.001). An inverse relationship was observed between the duration of the lag-phase and SCBF (rs = -0.28 - -0.54; p < 0.05-0.001). Patients' degree of adiposity was inversely correlated with the rate of soluble insulin absorption (rs = -0.24 - -0.28; p < 0.05) and SCBF (rs = -0.28 - -0.43; p < 0.05-0.001). Consequently, faster absorption of soluble insulin, with shorter lag-phase duration, was noted for the abdominal and thigh sites for non-obese (BMI > 25 kg m-2) than obese patients (BMI < 27.5 kg m-2) (p < 0.05-0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adsorption↗
PubMed2000

Anthropometry in body composition. An overview.

Anthropometry is a simple reliable method for quantifying body size and proportions by measuring body length, width, circumference (C), and skinfold thickness (SF). More than 19 sites for SF, 17 for C, 11 for width, and 9 for length have been included in equations to predict body fat percent with a standard error of estimate (SEE) range of +/- 3% to +/- 11% of the mean of the criterion measurement. Recent studies indicate that not only total body fat, but also regional fat and skeletal muscle, can be predicted from anthropometrics. Our Rosetta database supports the thesis that sex, age, ethnicity, and site influence anthropometric predictions; the prediction reliabilities are consistently higher for Whites than for other ethnic groups, and also by axial than by peripheral sites (biceps and calf). The reliability of anthropometrics depends on standardizing the caliper and site of measurement, and upon the measuring skill of the anthropometrist. A reproducibility of +/- 2% for C and +/- 10% for SF measurements usually is required to certify the anthropometrist.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1995

Clinical examination compared with anthropometry in evaluating nutritional status.

Clinical assessments of nutritional status in a group of 44 inpatients, made by a panel of experienced childcare specialists, were compared with anthropometric assessments. Assessors were uniformly poor at detecting severe malnutrition and at assessing the nutritional status of infants. Nutritional status cannot be accurately assessed clinically and anthropometry is crucial.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2003

Anthropometry of young competitive sport rock climbers.

BACKGROUND: Adult elite competitive rock climbers are small in stature with low body mass and very low body fat percentage. These characteristics have generated concern that young climbers may attempt body mass reduction to extreme levels with adverse consequences for health and performance. No published anthropometry data for young competitive climbers exist. OBJECTIVE: To describe the general anthropometric characteristics of junior US competitive rock climbers. METHODS: Ninety subjects (mean (SD) age 13.5 (3.0) years) volunteered to participate. All competed at the Junior Competition Climbers Association US National Championship. Anthropometric variables, including height, mass, body mass index (BMI), arm span, biiliocristal and biacromial breadths, skinfold thickness at nine anatomical sites, forearm and hand volumes, and handgrip strength, were measured. Selected variables were expressed as ratio values and as normative age and sex matched centile scores where appropriate. A control group (n=45) of non-climbing children and youths who participated in a variety of sports activities, including basketball, cross country running, cross country skiing, soccer, and swimming, underwent the same testing procedures in the Exercise Science Laboratory of Northern Michigan University. RESULTS: Mean (SD) self reported climbing ability was 11.80 (1.20), or about 5.11 d on the Yosemite decimal system scale. The mean (SD) experience level was 3.2 (1.9) years, and subjects competed in 10 (5) organised competitions over a 12 month period. Despite similarity in age, there were significant differences (p<0.01) between climbers and control subjects for height, mass, centile scores for height and mass, ratio of arm span to height ("ape index"), biiliocristal/biacromial ratio, sum of seven and sum of nine skinfolds, estimated body fat percentage, and handgrip/mass ratio. Despite significantly lower skinfold sums and estimated body fat percentage, no differences were found between climbers and controls for absolute BMI or BMI expressed as a centile score. CONCLUSIONS: Young competitive climbers have similar general anthropometric characteristics to elite adult climbers. These include relatively small stature, low body mass, low sums of skinfolds, and high handgrip to mass ratio. Relative to age matched athletic non-climbers, climbers appear to be more linear in body type with narrow shoulders relative to hips. Differences in body composition exist between climbers and non-climbing athletes despite similar BMI values.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Anthropometry, physical activity, and the risk of pancreatic cancer in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition.

Tobacco smoking is the only established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Results from several epidemiologic studies have suggested that increased body mass index and/or lack of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of this disease. We examined the relationship between anthropometry and physical activity recorded at baseline and the risk of pancreatic cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (n = 438,405 males and females age 19-84 years and followed for a total of 2,826,070 person-years). Relative risks (RR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by age, sex, and country and adjusted for smoking and self-reported diabetes and, where appropriate, height. In total, there were 324 incident cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in the cohort over an average of 6 years of follow-up. There was evidence that the RR of pancreatic cancer was associated with increased height [RR, 1.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20-2.52] for highest quartile compared with lowest quartile (P(trend) = 0.001). However, this trend was primarily due to a low risk in the lowest quartile, as when this group was excluded, the trend was no longer statistically significant (P = 0.27). A larger waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were both associated with an increased risk of developing the disease (RR per 0.1, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.48; P(trend) = 0.02 and RR per 10 cm, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26; P(trend) = 0.03, respectively). There was a nonsignificant increased risk of pancreatic cancer with increasing body mass index (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.95-1.24 per 5 kg/m(2)), and a nonsignificant decreased risk with total physical activity (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.35 for most active versus inactive). Future studies should consider including measurements of waist and hip circumference, to further investigate the relationship between central adiposity and the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Measurement and standardization protocols for anthropometry used in the construction of a new international growth reference.

Thorough training, continuous standardization, and close monitoring of the adherence to measurement procedures during data collection are essential for minimizing random error and bias in multicenter studies. Rigorous anthropometry and data collection protocols were used in the WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study to ensure high data quality. After the initial training and standardization, study teams participated in standardization sessions every two months for a continuous assessment of the precision and accuracy of their measurements. Once a year the teams were restandardized against the WHO lead anthropometrist, who observed their measurement techniques and retrained any deviating observers. Robust and precise equipment was selected and adapted for field use. The anthropometrists worked in pairs, taking measurements independently, and repeating measurements that exceeded preset maximum allowable differences. Ongoing central and local monitoring identified anthropometrists deviating from standard procedures, and immediate corrective action was taken. The procedures described in this paper are a model for research settings.

Anthropometry↗