Anthropometric chest structure of Polish centenarians

The aim of the study was to analyze somatometric chest structure in persons aged over 100 years. The study group included 83 women and 13 men, aged 100-108 yr (median age -100.8 yr), who participated in the scientific project: 'Genetic and Environmental Factors of Longevity of Polish Centenarians' in 2002-2004. The Rohrer index of chest structure using acromion-acromion length and body height were compared with the results of pulse oximetry, spirometry, and the level of general physical activity. The majority of the centenarians had a pyknic structure of the chest, most likely as a result of a progressive reduction of body height and chest stooping. In comparison with the women who had marked alterations of chest structure, females with less profound changes had a lower respiratory rate, better tolerance of exercise, higher forced vital capacity, and a higher physical activity. A small number of male subjects studied made it impossible to analyze statistical correlations in this group. We conclude that there is a need to redefine anthropometric indices for a reliable assessment of chest structure in senescent subjects.