INTRODUCTION:
Arm muscle area (Ama) is a component of lean body mass (LBM).
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this study was to develop an equation for estimating LBM through the Ama.
METHODS:
Forty-five apparently healthy young males, with an average age of 22 ± 3 years and body mass of 74.9 ± 8.43 kg, were randomly divided into two groups: internal validation (IV) and external validation (EV). The total sample was submitted to anthropometric and hydrometric measurements. Before the test, the subjects received the following instructions: a) to avoid caffeine and alcohol 24 hours before the test; b) not to do any strenuous physical activity (≥5 METs) for at least 12 hours prior to exam and; c) a postprandial period of 4 hours. Ama was obtained by the equation: Ama=[C- (T . π) ]² ÷ (4 . π).
RESULTS:
The prediction model obtained was: LBM= 9.127 + (0.625 . BW) + (0.139 . Ama); r2=0.91; SEE=1.85 kg (2.5% BW). For the EV, no significant difference was found between LBM measured by BIA and that provided by the formula (p=0.35); r²= 0.94; CV%= 2.0%; ICC= 0.97 and SEE= 1.87 kg.
CONCLUSION:
The multiple regression equation enables the LBM to be estimated for young Brazilian males.
body composition; bioelectrical impedance; arm muscle area
