Transcript Common Skinfold Sites - Dixie State University

Common Skinfold Locations
Iliac-crest
Taken on a slight diagonal, this fold is immediately.
superior to the iliac crest.
Mid-axilla
Vertical fold taken at the height of the xyphoid
Process most inferior aspect, along the ilio-axilla line.
Subscapula
Taken 2cm along the natural cleavage line,
from the undermost tip of the inferior
angle of the scapula.
(AIS)
Calf
Taken vertically at the most medial aspect of the calf;
also at it's maximum circumference.
(AIS)
Abdominal
Taken vertically with a broad grip, 5cm lateral
to the omphalion (centre of the umbilicus).
(AIS)
Tricep
A vertical fold taken at the most posterior surface of the
triceps brachii when viewed from the side.
(AIS)
Bicep
Thigh
Taken vertically at the midpoint, and most anterior
aspect of, the bicep brachii muscle.
Vertical fold midway between the inguinal crease
and proximal border of the patella.
(AIS)
(AIS)
( A I S ) - signify the 7 sites most commonly used by the Australian Institute of Sport
& many other nations after the 1996 Atlanta Games.
technique
1) All measurements are taken on the right side of the body.2) Locate site (mark with texta for
beginners) & ensure that this is where the fingers pinch the skin.3) Pinch skin between thumb
and index finger so that a fold of skin creates an elevated line in the desired direction. 4) Clamp
the calipers perpendicular to the fold & 1cm lateral or inferior to the thumb & the index finger,5)
Maintain pressure with fingers and calipers reading measurement after 2 seconds.6) Unclamp
calipers from skin; release tension slowly so as not to damage them, then relax thumb and
index finger.7) Take each measurement in sequence and then repeat. Measure a third time if
there is more than a 10% discrepancy.8) Practice makes perfect
(SKF) measurements can use the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue, to estimate body
density; once this is known for an individual, % body fat can be estimated using normative data
for their age, gender, race and fitness level.
assumptions
1) SKF is an accurate measure of subcutaneous fat.2) A direct relationship b/n % BF found
adipose tissue & Total BF exists.3) Fat distribution is similar for all individuals of the same
gender within a sample population.4) There is a relationship between the sum of skinfolds and
body density.5) Age is an independent predictor of density for males & females.6) The
compartment model for FM & FFM used in equation is valid for the subject. 7) Calipers are
calibrated and are of a high quality. 8) Skin and subcutaneous fat has constant compressibility.
9) Constant skin thickness at each individual site.
considerations
* Skin should be dry, no lotions or sweat. * Don't measure directly after exercise, or excessive
hydration to avoid elevated or lowered body fluids. * Use the same high quality calipers
(Harpenden or Lange) & same tester in all tests. * All measurements should be in mm. * (SKF)
is not valid for obese individuals.