Skin biomechanical properties and leg volume in aging healthy adults

Nyree Dunn, Jane H. Davies, Gina Dolan, Edgar Mark Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Background

In adults ageing is accompanied by changes in limb volume and skin biomechanical properties.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between body size, aging, skin biomechanics, and leg volume, VLeg and to define predictive equations linking leg volume with these properties.

Methods

Sixty-two healthy adults (Age 18–80 years, M:F 45:55) were recruited. Anthropomorphic measures were recorded along with VLeg (via circumferential method) and skin tone, stiffness, and elastance (via tonometry). Regression analysis was performed to define relationship between the measured parameters.

Results

In healthy adults bilateral VLeg were the same regardless of leg or sex, 5791 ± 1363 for females and 6151 ± 1203 mls for males. VLeg was positively correlated to body weight, where VLeg (mls) = 1058 + 69 × Wt (kg) for females and VLeg (mls) = 539 + 65 × Wt (Kg) of body weight for males. Skin surface biomechanical properties varied with sex, leg volume, and location on the leg with the malleolus exhibiting the stiffest surface.

Conclusion

The study shows that anthropometric measures change with sex and leg size are multifactorial and body weight, sex, and skin condition as important determinant factors of leg volume.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)40-46
Number of pages7
JournalSkin Research and Technology
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • elastance
  • leg volumetry
  • myo-tonometry
  • skin biomechanics
  • tone

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