Body frame measures and perceptions of frame size and weight

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine five methods of determining frame size. In addition, self perception of frame size and of desired weight was compared to two height-weight table recommendations. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine relationships between measurements used as criteria for frame measures and between the five frame measures studied. Agreement of frame size identification was examined by comparing percentages of small, medium and large frame for each method. While the Pearson correlation coefficient of wrist circumference with elbow breadth was greater than 0.5 for both men and women, the correlations between frame measures using wrist circumference criteria and frame measures using elbow breadth criteria were less than 0.5. Self-perceived frame size was not significantly correlated with any of the five frame measures examined or with weight perception variables. Comparison of weight perception with evaluation of measured weight using two height-weight tables indicated men appear to desire to be heavier and women appear to desire to be thinner than weights recommended for height and measured frame size. Results were discussed in relation to findings of other researchers. Recommendations were made concerning the frame measures examined, the relationship of frame size perception to self-evaluation of weight, and the use of height-weight tables in determining weight goals.