Skinfold measurements have been used to estimate body fat for over 50 years 1. Skinfold measurement taking skinfold measurements is a common method for determining body fat composition.
Technical Error Of Measurement For Skinfold Measurements
What are normal skinfold measurements. Biceps skinfold front side middle upperarm triceps skinfold back side middle upperarm subscapular skinfold under the lowest point of the shoulder blade suprailiac skinfold above the upper bone of the hip. 1 standard deviation scores are used to interpret data in terms of the number of standard deviations above positive value or below negative value the median 50th percentile value for normal controls of the same age and gender. For results to be valid and reliable the skinfold measurements must be taken properly and they should be taken by the same technician from one measurement to the next. Triceps the back of the upper arm 2. If the values vary by more than 1mm take an additional measurement and use the average of the three measurements. The added fluid under the skin may increase skinfold thickness.
To grab the skinfold easily and correctly make sure your skin is dry and lotion free. Do not take measurements after physical activities or when you are overheated. Women need a diagonal pinch 13 of the way from the arm pit to the nipple. Raise your arm above your head and have your partner get these skinfold measurements just below the level of your nipple. Take a minimum of two measurements at each site. And the nipple chest.
The tricep skin fold measurement and mid arm circumference are used to calculate the mid arm muscle circumference and all three are compared with age and gender specific normal values to evaluate fat and muscle stores in children older than 1 year. Midaxillary a vertical pinch on the midaxillary line which runs directly down from the center of the armpit. Calipers are used to measure the thickness of the skin at a range of sites around the body. To estimate the total amount of body fat four skinfolds are measured. Skinfold calipers measure the thickness of your subcutaneous fat the fat underneath the skin at certain body. Accurate measurement technique is important.
Skinfold measurement is based on the belief that approximately 50 of total body fat lies under the skin and involves measuring the thickness of the skinfolds at standardized sites. 7 site skinfold average sum mm excellent good average fair poor males 24 57 64 90 97 140 147 176 177 females 37 67 74 102 109 151 158 187 188 3 site skinfold average sum mm excellent good average fair poor. Subscapula beneath the edge of the shoulder blade. Pectoral the mid chest just forward of the armpit 3. The acceptable range between repeated measures is 1mm. Take all measurements on the right side of your body.
Skinfold measurements should not be taken when the skin is wet or after exercise.
Gallery of What Are Normal Skinfold Measurements
