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Anthropometry in Body Composition: An Overview
Author(s) -
WANG J.,
THORNTON J. C.,
KOLESNIK S.,
PIERSON R. N.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06474.x
Subject(s) - anthropometry , circumference , calipers , skinfold thickness , reproducibility , mathematics , biceps , statistics , body height , reliability (semiconductor) , orthodontics , medicine , anatomy , body weight , geometry , physics , power (physics) , quantum mechanics
A bstract : Anthropometry is a simple reliable method for quantifying body size and proportions by measuring body length, width, circumference (C), and skinfold thickness (SF). More than 19 sites for SF, 17 for C, 11 for width, and 9 for length have been included in equations to predict body fat percent with a standard error of estimate (SEE) range of ±3% to ±11% of the mean of the criterion measurement. Recent studies indicate that not only total body fat, but also regional fat and skeletal muscle, can be predicted from anthropometrics. Our Rosetta database supports the thesis that sex, age, ethnicity, and site influence anthropometric predictions; the prediction reliabilities are consistently higher for Whites than for other ethnic groups, and also by axial than by peripheral sites (biceps and calf). The reliability of anthropometrics depends on standardizing the caliper and site of measurement, and upon the measuring skill of the anthropometrist. A reproducibility of ± 2% for C and ± 10% for SF measurements usually is required to certify the anthropometrist.