A Girthometer for Accuracy and Reliability of Muscle Girth Measurements

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Cheah Yu Fang, Chuah Sock Mei, Tan Ai Wei, Elanchezhian Chinnavan, Mritha Ramalingam, Rishikesavan Ragupathy, Chew Hang Hai, Koh Kim Hua, Yu Chye Wah

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a new innovative measuring tool to determine the reliability of measuring thigh and calf muscle girths. A total of eight healthy subjects were recruited in this study. The thigh and calf measurements were measured by using the Girthometer and standard measuring tape by three physiotherapists. The two measurement sites were evaluated for bilateral lower limbs: above the base of the patella and below the vertex of the patella. Reliability was assessed by calculating the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurements (SEM) at 5% significance level. Compared to the Girthometer with a normal measuring tape, the proposed Girthometer results of ICC are much higher than the normal measuring tape. Thus, the reliability of the proposed Girthometer was better than the conventional type. The results revealed is significant over the standard measuring tape and the Girthometer is high in above and below knee measurement. In conclusion, based on the results obtained, the proposed Girthometer has proven that it is more reliable than the conventional method using a standard measuring tape. The null hypothesis was rejected yet the girthometer has more exceptional reliability among the competitors.

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