Anthropometrical estimation of the body composition: A revision of the Matiegka formulas

In a group of 699 Belgian nursing professionals, body composition was estimated using the 4-component anthropometrical model, relying on the formulae originally formulated by Matiegka (1921) and revisited by Drinkwater et al. (1986). The estimation of muscle mass was substituted by the more recent formula proposed by Martin et al. (1990). An important discrepancy was noticed between the sum of the 4 components (the estimation of total body weight) and the assessed weight, suggesting erroneous estimations of the components. A factor Z is proposed for correcting the estimation of total body weight (Z1=0.82 in men and Z2=0.78 in women) leading to an adaptation of the formulae for three of the four body components. An equal correction to the composing subformulae for skin and adipose tissue weight, muscle weight and remainder weight is proposed and k-values are substituted by different values for men and women. The formula for the estimation of skeletal weight is not altered because no correlation was found between the estimated skeletal weight and the overestimation of total body weight. These new formulas may provide an appropriate tool for in-vivo occupational kinantropometry, sports, medicine and ergonomics after proper validation.