Skinfold Measurement

Taking skinfold measurements is a common method for determining body fat composition. Accurate measurement technique is important. Here is the standard technique that is used. You should read this information in conjunction with the description of each of the standard measurement sites.

• aim: to estimate body fat level by the measurement iof skinfold thickness
• equipment: skinfold calipers, tape measure, marker pen, recording sheets.
• procedure: Skinfold 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. See the descriptions and photographs of each skinfold site.
• 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 (based on personal experience) for using total sum (in millimeters) of the seven main skinfold sites (tricep, bicep, subscap, supraspinale, abdominal, thigh, calf). There are also examples of some actual athlete results.

• equipment required: skinfold calipers (e.g. Harpenden, Slimglide, Lange). These should be calibrated for correct jaw tension and gap width. Read the Skinfold Guide for comparison of available calipers. 
• 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.
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• 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.
• keywords: Caliper adipometro, plicometro, Adipometro
• reference:
  • International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (2001) published by The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)