How to take body measurements of patients who are bedridden or immobile

Even though these conditions make the process more complicated, collecting the patient’s measurements should not be neglected. This data is not only a static number, but an important parameter for the patient’s diagnosis, development and recovery. Should there be an instance that the direct body measurements are not able to be calculated, measurements can be made according to knee height. To do this, the distance between the sole of the patient’s foot and their knee, when bent at a 90° angle, is measured. The measuring tape or caliper gauge should be held parallel to the shins and run along the lateral ankle. Following this, the distance between the heel and the front side of the thigh is taken about 3 cm above the knee cap.

These measurements can be taken whilst the patient is in a seated or in horizontal position, and allows for the exact data to be collected for a large amount of patients. The total body height can be calculated with the help of Chumlea et al.’s formula* as follows:

Men: height (cm) = [1.94 x knee height (cm)] - [0.14 x age (y)] + 78.31

Women: height (cm) = [1.85 x knee height (cm)] - [0.21 x age (y)] + 82.21

(standard mistake: 3.74 cm men, 3.98 cm women)

* population specific formula for caucasian men and women