Predicting body weight by measuring weight underneath the buttock in supine position: A quantitative observation...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Measurement
• Patient Monitoring

Background:

• Accurate body weight (BW) measurement is challenging for bedridden patients.
• Existing methods for BW assessment in recumbent individuals are often difficult or impractical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a self-designed indirect method for predicting body weight (BW) in bedridden patients.
• To establish an easy, safe, and effective approach for BW measurement using weight underneath the buttock (WUB).

Main Methods:

• 180 subjects participated in the study.
• Body weight (BW) was measured conventionally, and weight underneath the buttock (WUB) was measured in a supine position using an electronic weighing machine and a hard board.
• Measurements were repeated thrice to ensure accuracy.

Main Results:

• A significant linear correlation was found between BW and WUB (y= 1.8x + 6.0).
• Multiple regression analysis yielded an equation: BW (kg) = -36.8 + 1.66*WUB (kg) + 29.0*height (m).
• Predicted BW (PBW) calculations showed minimal differences from measured BW (3.6 ± 2.8 kg via multiple relationship, 3.5 ± 2.7 kg via linear equation, 4.2 ± 3.1 kg via multiple regression).

Conclusions:

• Predicting body weight (BW) using weight underneath the buttock (WUB) in a supine position is an effective and reliable method.
• The WUB measurement is easily obtainable and demonstrates a strong linear relationship with BW.
• This novel technique offers significant advantages for clinical staff in determining BW for bedridden patients.