Criterion validity of a computer-based tutorial for teaching waist circumference self-measurement

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2008 Apr;12(2):133-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2007.10.007. Epub 2007 Dec 26.

Abstract

Knowing one's waist circumference (WC) is a primary step in assessing risk of disease and health disorders. One concern, however, is the accuracy with which WC measurements are taken. This study attempted to determine the effectiveness of a computer-based tutorial (CBT) in teaching previously untrained individuals to properly self-measure WC. Eighty-three subjects used the CBT to learn and perform WC self-measurement. Validity of the subjects' measurements was determined by comparing their measurements to a traditionally trained and experienced tester's. Bland-Altman and Box-Whisker comparisons revealed an average 1.57cm bias in the subjects' WC measurements. Bland-Altman bias plots illustrated agreement between the subjects' and experienced tester's measurements. Pearson correlation (r=0.97) showed no significant (p<0.0001) difference between the two groups. The results of this experiment suggest that the tested CBT is efficacious in teaching WC self-measurement. The tutorial could be used in the areas of health assessment, standardization, biomedical education and research.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / instrumentation
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / methods*
  • Computer-Assisted Instruction / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / diagnosis*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software Validation
  • Waist Circumference*
  • Young Adult