Fig. 2

Comparison of different methods for height evaluation in healthy volunteers. The left column represents the regression diagram of the two tested methods. The independent variable (reference value = measured height in the erect position) defines the vertical axis, and the dependent variable (tested method) defines the horizontal axis. Dark line represents the regression line; r = correlation coefficient; P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. The right column displays the scatter diagram of the differences of the two methods (Bland and Altman plot). Dark line represents the mean difference (estimation bias = ∂) between the two methods; dotted line represents the limit of agreement (plus and minus 1.96 SD) of the differences. For healthy volunteers, measured height in the upright position (reference) was well correlated with measured height in the supine position. This measured height may induce errors of 9.2 cm (2/60 volunteers with an error >10 cm). Chumlea height estimation, using either the standard or the simplified method in the supine position, was well correlated with actual height, with a low estimation bias. It may, however, induce errors from 8.9 to 11.8 cm