What are normal skinfold measurements?
Taking Skinfold Measurements
| Skinfolds (mm) | Males (age in years) | Females (age in years) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 8.1 | 21.4 |
| 25 | 10.5 | 24.0 |
| 30 | 12.9 | 26.6 |
| 35 | 14.7 | 28.5 |
What is the definition of skinfold test?
Skinfold measurement is a technique to estimate how much fat is on the body. It involves using a device called a caliper to lightly pinch the skin and underlying fat in several places. This quick and simple method of estimating body fat requires a high level of skill to get accurate results.
Why is the skinfold test important?
The main purpose of skinfold measurements is to estimate general fatness and the distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fat is pinched between a two-pronged caliper on designated body sites such as triceps, biceps, abdomen, iliac crest, just below the scapula, the thigh and the chest.
Is the skinfold test accurate?
The calculations and calipers themselves are very accurate. While there is large room for user error in skin fold measurements, skilled trainers who practice often can obtain up to 98% accuracy.
What are the advantages of the skinfold test?
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.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the skinfold test?
Summary
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Quick to execute | High inter-tester variability (i.e. reliability can be poor when the tester does not remain the same) |
| Minimal equipment and subject participation required | Most skinfold calipers have an upper limit of 45–60 mm, limiting their use to moderately overweight subjects |
Why is skinfold test inaccurate?
According to the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines for caliper use, not only are there guidelines for locating each skinfold site, there are variances between how the jaws must be placed on each skinfold. Depending on skinfold thickness, taking a reading immediately after pinching can distort the results.
How accurate is the skinfold test?
While there is large room for user error in skin fold measurements, skilled trainers who practice often can obtain up to 98% accuracy. However, it has been found that skin fold measurements may be less accurate for larger individuals, where it is more difficult to separate muscle and fat by a simple pinch.