If you’re a caregiver, and you’ve ever pondered questions like ‘How do I determine height in bedridden patients?’ or ‘How can I estimate height without the patient standing?’ you’ve found the right resource. Our bedridden patients’ height and weight measurement calculator facilitates the estimation of both weight and height in immobile patients. Read on to discover various formulas for estimating height and weight, guidance on specific body measurements, and alternatives to traditional standing height measurements.
💡 Fun Fact: Did you know you can predict a child’s future height by knowing their parents’ height?
How to Use the Bedridden Patients’ Height and Weight Calculator
- Calculator Sections: The panel is divided into two sections—one for height and the other for weight. You can choose to work on either or both simultaneously.
- Choose a Formula: Select a research study with a height estimation formula that suits your needs. Different formulas require specific body measurements.
- Input Values: Fill in the necessary values for the chosen formula, such as semi-span, arm length, knee height, etc. Hover over the measurement titles for detailed instructions.
- Get Results: Once you’ve input the data, the calculator will provide instant results. Feel free to try multiple methods and compare the outcomes.
Measurement Techniques for Bedridden Patient Height Calculator
Semi-Span (Half-Arm Span)
- Measure the distance from the sternal notch’s middle to the middle finger’s tip, with the arm in line with the shoulders.
Arm Length
- Measure from the rear side of the patient, the distance between the upper edge of the scapula’s acromion process and the mid-elbow bony part.
Recumbent Height
- Measure the patient’s height while lying down, or the distance from the top of the head to the heels, using a specialized measuring scale.
Knee Height
- Measure using a sliding caliper with the patient lying supine or sitting at the bed edge, placing one caliper blade under the heel and the other on the anterior thigh.
Calf Circumference
- Measure the widest circumference of the non-dominant leg.
Arm Circumference
- Measure at the midpoint of the arm, between the shoulder’s bony protrusion and the elbow point.
Subscapular Skinfold Thickness
- Use a caliper to measure the diagonal fold below the scapula’s inferior angle.
Forearm Length
- Measure the distance from the elbow point to the midpoint of the prominent wrist bone.
Abdominal Circumference
- Measure the abdomen’s circumference midway between the last rib and the bony part of the hip, with the patient not sucking in their stomach.
💡 Tip: Abdominal or waist circumference is a crucial health indicator, with recommended limits of 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women.
Estimating Height Formulas — Standing Alternatives
- Mitchell & Lipschitz Formula:
- Height = Semi-span × 2
- WHO Formula:
- Height = (0.73 × 2 × Half of arm span) + 0.43
- Rabito et al. Formula (Two Options):
- Height = 58.694 – (2.974 × Sex) – (0.0736 × Age) + (0.4958 × Arm length) + (1.132 × Semi-span)
- or
- Height = 63.525 – (3.237 × Sex) – (0.06904 × Age) + (1.293 × Semi-span)
- Gray et al. Formula:
- Height = Recumbent height
- Chumlea et al. Formula (Based on Knee Height):
- Various formulas for different demographic groups.
- Cereda et al. Formula:
- Height = 60.76 + (2.16 × Knee height) – (0.06 × Age) + (2.76 × Sex)
- Knee Height Formula:
- Different formulas for men and women.
- Forearm Formula (Chart):
- Provides estimated height based on forearm (ulna) measurement for specific sex and age.
- Demi-Span Formula:
- Height = (1.35 × Demi-span) + 60.1 (for women)
- Height = (1.4 × Demi-span) + 57.8 (for men)
Estimating Weight Formulas — Without a Scale
- Chumlea et al. Formula:
- Women: Weight = (1.27 × Calf circumference) + (0.87 × Knee height) + (0.98 × Arm circumference) + (0.4 × Subscapular skinfold thickness) – 62.35
- Men: Weight = (0.98 × Calf circumference) + (1.16 × Knee height) + (1.73 × Arm circumference) + (0.37 × Subscapular skinfold thickness) – 81.69
- Rabito et al. Formula (Three Options):
- Various formulas using arm circumference, abdominal circumference, calf circumference, and subscapular skinfold thickness.
- Ross Laboratories Formula:
- Different formulas for white and black individuals of both genders, using race, knee height, and arm circumference.
Forearm Length Based Height Estimation Charts
- Charts for Men and Women Under and Over 65 Years: Provides estimated height based on forearm (ulna) length for different age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Estimate Height Without Standing with the WHO Formula?
- Provide the half-arm span length (e.g., 91 cm).
- Use the WHO formula: Height [m] = (0.73 × 2 × Half of arm span) + 0.43.
- Convert half-arm span to meters (e.g., 91 cm = 0.91 m).
- Substitute the value: Height = (0.73 × 2 × 0.91) + 0.43 = 1.76 m.
What are the Formulas for Estimating Weight?
- Chumlea et al. formula (requires arm circumference, calf circumference, knee height, and subscapular fold thickness).
- Rabito et al. formula (requires arm circumference, calf circumference, and abdominal circumference).
- Ross Laboratories formula (varies for white and black individuals, requires race, knee height, and arm circumference).
How to Calculate Height if the Recumbent Height is 167 cm?
- Use the Gray formula: Height = Recumbent height.
- In this case, the height is equal to the recumbent height, which is 167 cm.
What are Alternatives to Standing Height Measurements?
- Measure recumbent height using a specialized scale (Gray formula).
- Utilize formulas for estimating height without standing, including Mitchell & Lipschitz, WHO, Rabito et al., Chumlea et al., Cereda et al., Knee height formula, Forearm (ulna) length formula, or Demi-span formula.
How to Measure the Height and Weight of an Immobile Patient?
- Indirectly measure height and weight with formulas that don’t require standing, such as knee height, arm circumference, etc.
- Refer to the provided formulas for estimating height and weight in bedridden patients and choose the most suitable one.