This study examines whether obesity affects the accuracy of estimating age-at-death as measured by the age-related changes of the pubic symphysis and auricular surfaces. I scored the hip bones of 119 adults of normal body mass and 126 obese adults (total n = 254) using the SucheyBrooks (1990) method for the pubic symphysis and the Buckberry and Chamberlain (2002) method for the auricular surface. Compared to normal weight individuals, obese individuals exhibited greater inaccuracy in age-at-death estimates when aged from the auricular surface, but not the pubic symphysis. However, age was estimated with less precision in obese individuals using both methods. Obese males are more likely to be aged inaccurately than obese females. The pubic symphysis method may be the preferred method when estimating age in obese individuals, especially males, but forensic anthropologists should use caution when assessing age-at-death in obese adults using either method. / by Jessica L. Drew. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2010. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2010. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of eight anthropometric regression equations with hydrostatic weighing for predicting the percent body fat of adult males with Down Syndrome (DS). Body fat percentages were predicted for 18 adult males with DS. Skinfold, circumference, and bioelectric impedance analysis data were collected to determine how accurately the regression equations could predict the percent fat of these individuals when compared to hydrostatic weighing. Since hydrostatic weighing involves a number of complex procedures two pilot studies were conducted. Four subjects participated in the pilot studies. The first pilot was conducted to determine if a constant value of residual volume could be utilized during hydrostatic weighing, or if a measured value, determined by oxygen dilution, needed to be used. The second pilot was performed to determine if hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion could be substituted for the conventional method of hydrostatic weighing. Paired t-tests revealed no significant differences in either pilot study, t (3) = .274, p. < .05 and t (3) = .314, 11 < .05, respectively. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed r values of .99 for both pilot studies. Based on these results a constant residual volume value of 1.50 L and hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion were the procedures utilized in the main research study. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the body fat data obtained from hydrostatic weighing and the regression equations, F (8, 136) = 16.05, < .05. Dunnett's post-hoc procedure revealed significant differences in five of the eight equations. Of the three equations that did not yield significantly different results, only the Kelly and Rimmer (1987), r = .89, SEE = 2.51, 12 <.05, can be recommended for use. Based on these results, it appears that a constant value of 1.50 L for residual volume and hydrostatic weighing at total lung capacity without head submersion can be utilized when predicting the percent body fat of adult males with DS. This will allow increased numbers of individuals with DS to be hydrostatically weighed. Also, the use of the Kelly and Rimmer (1987) equation will allow researchers and practitioners to utilize an easy, fast, accurate, and inexpensive method of predicting the percent body fat of adult males with DS. / Graduation date: 1992

The determination of adiposity in adolescents is often assessed with calculations of body mass indices (BMI). Researchers often obtain these measurements from self-reported (SR) values. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of SR height, weight, and calculated BMI (from height and weight). SR and actual measured (ME) BMI values were compared with standards from the FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) classifications. SR height and calculated BMI were found to be accurate while SR weight was, on average, underreported by 4.77 lbs. Because of these errors in SR height and weight, accuracy of classification into the FITNESSGRAM® HFZ was compromised. Consequently, it is important that researchers ascertain actual values of height and weight when measuring adolescents rather than use those from self-reports.