Skinfold Measurement- 7 site

description / procedure: Estimation of body fat by skinfold thickness measurement. Measurement can use from 3 to 9 different standard anatomical sites around the body. The right side is usually only measured (for consistency). The tester pinches the skin at the appropriate site to raise a double layer of skin and the underlying adipose tissue, but not the muscle. The calipers are then applied 1 cm below and at right angles to the pinch, and a reading in millimeters (mm) taken two seconds later. The mean of two measurements should be taken. If the two measurements differ greatly, a third should then be done, then the median value taken. the sites: there are many common sites at which the skinfold pinch can be taken. For a description and photographs of these sites go here.

results: Because of the increased errors involved, it is usually not appropriate to convert skinfold measures to percentage body fat (%BF). It is best to use the sum of several sites to monitor and compare body fat measures. In order to satisfy those who want to calculate a percentage body fat measure, there is a sample of equations for calculating this here. Below is a table of general guidelines for using total sum (in millimeters) of the seven main skinfold sites (tricep, bicep, subscap, supraspinale, abdominal, thigh, calf) excellent Normal Male Female Athletic Male Female 60-80 70-90 40-60 50-70 good 81-90 91-100 61-80 71-85 average below average 91-110 101-120 81-100 86-110 111-150 121-150 101-130 111-130 poor 150+ 150+ 130+ 130+

equipment required: skinfold calipers (e.g. Harpenden, Holtain, Slimglide, Lange). These should be calibrated for correct jaw tension and gap width. target population: suitable for all populations, though it is sometimes difficult to get reliable measurements with obese people. validity:using skinfold measurements is not a valid predictor of percent body fat, however they can be used as a monitoring device to indicate changes in body composition over time. It is important to maintain correct calibration of the calipers (more about calibrating calipers) reliability: the reliability of skinfold measurements can vary from tester to tester depending on their skill and experience. There are accreditation courses available through ISAK. advantages: Skinfold measurements are widely utilized to assess body composition. It is a lot simpler than hydrostatic weighing and many of the other body composition techniques. After the original outlay for calipers, the daily tests costs are minimal. other considerations: some subjects may feel uncomfortable stripping down in front of the tester, therefore every effect should be made to make them feel comfortable. For legal reasons, it is wise to have another person present, and to have females testers for female subjects. The right side measurement is standard, though in some situations you may need to test someone on the left side. If so, you must record this and endeavor to always test on the same side for that person. Reasons for testing on the left side may include injuries, amputation, deformities, or other medical conditions.
reference:
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International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (2001) published by The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)

Triceps Skinfold
Landmark
At the level of the mid-point between the acromiale (lateral edge of the acromial process, e.g. bony tip of shoulder) and the radiale (proximal and lateral border of the radius bone, approxiately the elbow joint), on the mid-line of the posterior (back) surface of the arm (over the triceps muscle).

Pinch
The arm should be relaxed with the palm of the hand facing forwards. A vertical pinch, parallel to the long axis of the arm, is made at the landmark.

Biceps Skinfold
Landmark
At the level of the mid-point between the acromiale (lateral edge of the acromial process, e.g. bony tip of shoulder) and the radiale (proximal and lateral border of the radius bone, approximately the elbow joint), on the mid-line of the anterior (front) surface of the arm (over the biceps muscle).

Pinch
The arm should be relaxed with the palm of the hand facing forwards. A vertical pinch, parallel to the long axis of the arm, is made at the landmark.

Subscapular Skinfold
Landmark
The lower angle of the scapula (bottom point of shoulder blade) If there is difficulty finding this landmark, get the subject to reach behind their back with their right arm, while feeling for the movement of the scapula

Pinch
The pinch is made following the natural fold of the skin, approxiately on a line running laterally (away from the body) and downwards (at about 45 degrees).

Supraspinale Skinfold
Landmark
The intersection of a line joining the spinale (front part of iliac crest) and the anterior (front) part of the axilla (armpit), and a horizontal line at the level of the iliac crest.

Pinch
The pinch is directed medially (towards the centerline) and downward, following the natural fold of the skin (at an approximate angle of 45 degrees).

Abdominal Skinfold
Landmark
5 cm adjacent to the umbilicus (belly-button), to the right side.

Pinch
The vertical pinch is made

Front Thigh Skinfold

Landmark
The mid-point of the anterior (front) surface of the thigh, midway between patella (knee cap) and inguinal fold (crease at top of thigh).

Pinch
A vertical pinch

Calf Skinfold
Landmark
A point on the medial (inside) surface of the calf, at the level of the largest circumference.

Pinch
A vertical pinch parallel to the long axis of the leg