Anthropometry of aged male wheelchair-dependent patients

A number of anthropometric dimensions, including stature, weight, circumferences, estimated body fat from skinfolds and handgrip strength were measured on a sample of 33 male wheelchair-dependent Veterans Administration patient-members. These patients had a mean age of 71.2 years, had been wheelchair-dependent for a mean of 5.2 years and had various physical disabilities. When the anthropometric dimensions for these wheelchair-dependent patients were compared to those previously reported for ambulatory veterans of similar age, we found similar statures, total body fat percentages, and limb circumferences. In contrast, the wheelchair-dependent individuals tended to have smaller upper body skinfolds, and greater body weight, trunk circumferences, lower body skinfolds and handgrip strength. These differences may be due in part of the biomechanics of wheelchair locomotion and the rather sedentary lifestyle of many wheelchair users.