Corporal surface as indicator of muscular mass in the adult of the masculine sex

With the objective of finding out the body surface area equation (BSA, m2) that is most suitable as indicator of musculature because of its higher correlation with the muscle mass (MM,kg), a correlation analysis was made between the MM and the BSA estimated by 11 weight and height-based formulae. Primary weight, height and MM data were obtained from these studies (N=41) in which MM was determined by cadaver dissection or by computerized axial tomography. A remarkable variability was observed in the BSA values estimated by 11 equations (F=59,7; p< 0,05). The correlation coefficients between the body surface estimated by different equations and the muscle mass were statistically significant and very similar. It was concluded that there is no BSA equation that is far better than the rest as muscle mass indicator. Mostellers equation is recommended due to its calculation simplicity