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Volumetric evaluation of upper extremities in 250 healthy persons
Author(s) -
Gebruers N.,
Truijen S.,
Engelborghs S.,
De Deyn P. P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
clinical physiology and functional imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.608
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-097X
pISSN - 1475-0961
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2007.00708.x
Subject(s) - medicine , forearm , upper limb , displacement (psychology) , clinical practice , physical therapy , surgery , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , psychotherapist
Summary Background and purpose Upper extremity oedema frequently occurs as a complication of several diseases. The aim of this study was to establish normative data for upper extremity volumes with a modified water displacement method. These data were used to develop predictive formulas helpful in detecting abnormal swelling. Subjects and methods Upper extremities of 250 healthy subjects (138 men and 112 women) were measured by water displacement. Results A mean difference of 3·0% (3·2%) between right and left arm (forearm) was found. Intra‐class correlation coefficients were 0·99 for intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliabilities. Coefficient of variation was 0·23%. To predict the premorbid volume of an oedematous arm, prediction formulas were constructed. Discussion and conclusion Water displacement as used in this study is a highly reliable technique for volume measurement of upper extremities. This technique was applied to gather normative data for upper extremity volumes. We suggest that this technique can be used in daily clinical practice for the evaluation of upper extremity oedema or atrophy caused by various diseases as well as for volume monitoring. Prediction formulas can be used to define abnormal swelling.