Anthropometric measurement of muscle mass: revised equations for calculating bone-free arm muscle area
Arm muscle area (AMA, cm 2) is currently calculated from triceps skinfold thickness (TSF,
cm), and midarm circumference (MAC, cm). In assessing the accuracy of the current
equation by comparison to AMA measured by computerized axial tomography, error in each
of the four approximations made was found to result in a 20 to 25% overestimate of AMA.
Two correctible error sources were: a 10 to 15% overestimation caused by assuming a
circular midarm muscle compartment and a 5 to 10% overestimation due to inclusion of …
cm), and midarm circumference (MAC, cm). In assessing the accuracy of the current
equation by comparison to AMA measured by computerized axial tomography, error in each
of the four approximations made was found to result in a 20 to 25% overestimate of AMA.
Two correctible error sources were: a 10 to 15% overestimation caused by assuming a
circular midarm muscle compartment and a 5 to 10% overestimation due to inclusion of …