Anthropometry

Question 1

What is the purpose of Skinfold Test?

Answer 1

• Measuring thickness of Subcutaneous Adipose tissue & Skin
• We track these values overtime to monitor changes in body composition to understand a clients overall health

NOT MEASUING BF%

Question 2

Strengths of Skinfold Assessments

Answer 2

1. Can be easily performed in the field
2. Poses minimal risk to the client (non invasive)

Question 3

Limitations of Skinfolds

Answer 3

1. Accuracy and relability depends heavily on the skills of the clinician
2. Is only a measure of subcutaneous fat –> doesnt measure visceral fat
3. Not suitable for individuals with high muscle mass as it becomes difficult to correctly take a measurement
4. Equations are used to ESTIMATE body fat and can heavily impact the result of the test

Question 4

How do you minimise reading errors during a skinfold test?

Answer 4

1. Ensure that the calipers are positioned at eye level
2. The calipers are placed at a 90 degree angle to the folds made by the fingers
3. CHICKEN WING technique

Question 5

What are common errors during Skinfold measurement?

Answer 5

• Not rolling the fold between the fingers to ensure no muscle has been incuded
• Releasing fingers before the caliper
• Positioning the calipers in the wrong direction