[The numerical Hatze-model: also qualified for calculations on children?]

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Anthropometry
• Pediatric Physiology

Context:

• The Hatze model is a biomechanical model used for human body calculations.
• Existing models are primarily designed for adult anthropometry.
• There is a need to assess model applicability across different age groups, specifically children.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the suitability of the Hatze model for calculating various human body parameters in children.
• To identify discrepancies between Hatze model outputs and actual pediatric anthropometric data.
• To determine if the Hatze model can accurately represent children's body composition and segment parameters.

Summary:

• The Hatze model accurately calculates total body mass in children but shows significant under- and overestimations for body segments and mean body density.
• The model fails to account for unique pediatric body shapes and proportions, leading to misclassifications like obesity or pregnancy.
• Gender dimorphism in body fat is noted, but values deviate from established literature, and center of gravity calculations are limited.

Impact:

• Current findings indicate the Hatze model is inappropriate for pediatric use.
• Highlights the necessity for developing child-specific human body models.
• Emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate biomechanical modeling for accurate anthropometric assessments in pediatric populations.