In the last post ,we learned how to determine one’s ideal body weight. We noted that when using the hamwi method , you need to know your frame size to determine your ideal body weight. Hence, in this post we will learn how to determine your frame size.
Method 1: Wrist Measurement
Using this method ,you divide your height in centimetres by your wrist circumference.
Frame Size (r values) =Height (cm) ÷Wrist Circumference (cm)
(i.) You measure your height in centimetres (cm).
(ii.) You then measure the smallest part of the your wrist(also in centimetres).
(iii.)After that, you divide your height(cms) by the wrist circumference to determine your frame size (r value).
Then you interpret the readings as follows :
Females
>11.0 -Small frame
10.1 – 11 –Medium frame
<10.1 – Large frame
Males
>10.4-Small frame
9.6 – 10.4 –Medium frame
<9.6 -Large frame
Method 2: Elbow Breadth
This is a more accurate method considering that frame size is influenced by fat and soft tissue, and elbow breadth is less impacted by fat, when compared to the wrist circumference. Additionally, frame size is also directly related to lean body mass.
Using this method, an examiner may be involved.To assess:
(i.) You should extend one of your arms, and then bend your forearm upward (at an angle of 90°) while ensuring that you keep your fingers straight and the inward side of your wrist facing towards your body.
(ii.)The examiner will then either place the tips of the spreading caliper or the blades of the sliding caliper (blades should point upward) on the two prominent bones (epicondyles of the humerus) at either side of the elbow.
(iii.) The examiner should exert pressure while performing this procedure to compress the soft tissues, and then record the measurement to the nearest 0.1 cm.
The values can then be inserted into the following formula:
Frame size = Elbow Breadth (mm) divided by Height (cm)× 100
You then interpret the values obtained using the following table – Frisancho’s frame index (based on age and height):
Frame Size Based on Age and Height
Age (yrs) Men Women
Small Medium Large Small Medium Large
18 – 25 <38.4 38.4 – 41.6 >41.6 < 35.2 35.2 – 38.6 >38.6
25 – 30 <38.6 38.6 – 41.8 >41.8 <35.7 35.7 – 38.7 >38.7
30 – 35 <38.6 38.6 – 42.1 >42.1 <35.7 35.7 – 39.0 >39.0
35 – 40 <39.1 39.1 – 42.4 >42.4 <36.2 36.2 – 39.8 >39.8
40 – 45 <39.3 39.3 – 42.5 >42.5 <36.7 36.7 – 40.2 >40.2
45 – 50 <39.6 39.6 – 43.0 >43.0 <36.7 37.2 – 40.7 >40.7
50 – 55 <39.9 39.9 – 43.3 >43.3 <37.2 37.2 – 41.6 >41.6
55 – 60 <40.2 40.2 – 43.8 >43.8 <37.8 37.8 – 41.9 >41.9
60 – 65 <40.2 40.2 – 43.6 >43.6 <38.2 38.2 – 41.8 >41.8
65 – 70 <40.2 40.2 – 43.6 >43.6 <38.2 38.2 – 41.8 >41.8
70 – 75 <40.2 40.2 – 43.6 >43.6 <38.2 38.2 – 41.8 >41.8
Source : Frisancho AR. Anthropometric Standards for the Assessment of Growth and Nutritional Status.