Validated Assessment Scales for the Female Asian Calf

BACKGROUND: Clinical photonumeric scales have been developed and validated to objectively measure the effectiveness of aesthetic treatments in specific anatomical areas; however, these are based on the typical features of Caucasian patients. No clinical scale for Asian calf appearance currently exists. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a calf assessment scale for use in the female Asian patient population. METHODS AND MATERIALS: During 2 validation sessions, 13 raters assessed calf images of female Asian subjects (N = 35) viewed from behind with feet flat on the floor (at rest) and on tiptoes (dynamic). Images were rated from 0 (very slim, linear profile) to 4 (very severe convex profile). RESULTS: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were "substantial" (≥0.6, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and weighted kappa) for the calf-at rest, calf-dynamic, and calf summary score. Reliability was "substantial" for calf-at rest and calf-dynamic (≥0.6, ICC and weighted kappa) and "almost perfect" (0.85) for the calf summary score. BMI and calf circumference were highly correlated with scale ratings, and calf circumference was a significant predictor. CONCLUSION: This new photonumeric assessment scale has value for assessing the female Asian calf, providing a standardized measure of calf appearance in clinical practice and clinical research settings.