Height is mandatory to calculate body mass index (BMI), body surface area [1] and energy expenditure estimation. In certain conditions, elderly people may be unable to stand up and/or stand upright for direct height measurement. This study aimed to develop and validate new height estimation equations using knee height and upper arm length of the Vietnamese elderly. A total of 856 individuals (539 and 317 subjects used to develop and validate the estimate equation, respectively) were assessed for height (H), upper arm length (UAL) and knee height (KH) using standardized nutritional techniques. In men, equations for height estimation were H = 0.211*UAL + 1.352 * KH + 90.422 and H = -0.188*Age + 1.440 * KH + 106.816. In women, the height estimated equation was H= 0.410*UAL + 0.928 * KH + 97.162; -0.259*Age + 1.103*KH + 120.292. The estimated height using newly developed equations agreed with the actual height of all individuals in validation stages (≥ 90% data in range ± 1.96 according to Bland Altman analysis). Height estimation equation based on age, knee height and upper arm length in our study can be applied in clinical practice.

Height is mandatory to calculate body mass index (BMI), body surface area [1] and energy expenditure estimation. In certain conditions, elderly people may be unable to stand up and/or stand upright for direct height measurement. This study aimed to develop and validate new height estimation equations using knee height and upper arm length of the Vietnamese elderly. A total of 856 individuals (539 and 317 subjects used to develop and validate the estimate equation, respectively) were assessed for height (H), upper arm length (UAL) and knee height (KH) using standardized nutritional techniques. In men, equations for height estimation were H = 0.211*UAL + 1.352 * KH + 90.422 and H = -0.188*Age + 1.440 * KH + 106.816. In women, the height estimated equation was H= 0.410*UAL + 0.928 * KH + 97.162; -0.259*Age + 1.103*KH + 120.292. The estimated height using newly developed equations agreed with the actual height of all individuals in validation stages (≥ 90% data in range ± 1.96 according to Bland Altman analysis). Height estimation equation based on age, knee height and upper arm length in our study can be applied in clinical practice.