Simple method for assessing standing height using recumbent length in bedridden patients using soft and firm mattresses
- Author:
Wong Wei Yee
1
;
Lim Su Lin
;
Chan Yiong Huak
Author Information
1. Dietetics Department, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Recumbent length;
height;
measuring tape;
Asian;
bedridden
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2019;25(1):37-45
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The accurate measurement of the height of bedridden patients is difficult. Height assessment is required for the calculation of body mass index, which is crucial for determining the nutrition status of a patient. This study aimed to validate recumbent length measurement against the standing height measurement using soft and firm mattresses and to derive predictive equations to calculate the actual height of bedridden patients on mattresses with different firmness.
Methods: Ninety-nine hospitalised participants (mean age 48.9±13.9 years; range 21–80 years) (49 men, 50 women) and 100 healthy participants (mean age 36.8±13.6 years; range 21–77 years) (50 men, 50 women) were recruited. Standing height was measured using a stadiometer. Recumbent length was measured using a 2 metre long measuring tape. Hospitalised participants lay on soft mattress and healthy participants on firm mattress.
Results: Using Bland–Altman plot, 96% of hospitalised participants using soft mattress were within 2.5±2.7 cm (mean±2SD) whereas 97% of healthy participants using firm mattress were within 2.1±2.1 cm. The regression equation developed using firm mattress was Standing height (cm) = 0.993 x Recumbent length – 0.943; (r2=0.982). The regression equation developed using soft mattress was Standing height (cm) = 1.012 x Recumbent length – 4.477; (r2=0.981).
Conclusion: We concluded that recumbent length is a valid clinical tool to estimate standing height. Standing height can be estimated from the predictive equations developed for patients lying on soft or firm mattresses.
- Full text:4.2019my0433.pdf
