Skinfolds

Skinfolds provide a good indication of the level of fatness located over the body in the subcutaneous storage areas. A skinfold caliper is used to measure the various skin sites, usually theses measurement are take and calculate by a trained professional. These measurements are used to calculate a predicted body fat percentage. This method is popular as it is quick, cost effective and non-painful procedure. When the measurements are taken, the individual is in minimal clothing to expose the various site.

The various sites locations can be found on the ASSIC testing app. These skinfold sites include:

• Triceps skinfold: mid-point at the back of triceps
• Biceps skinfold: front of arm above the cubital fossa
• Suprailiac skinfold: in the midaxillary line above the iliac crest
• Subscapular skinfold: below the shoulder blade with shoulder relaxed. Take measurement 45 degrees to the horizontal
• Pectoral: Point between the axilla and nipple, high on anterior axillary fold
• Anterior thigh : Midpoint of front (anterior) of thigh midway between knee cap (patella) and the top of thigh crease (inguinal fold)
• Calf: Inside (medial) area of the largest calf circumference area

Calipers

• Skinfold thickness is measured using precision calipers
• The calipers measure the compressed double fold plus the skin
• There are 3 types of calipers used and they include Harpenden, Lange and Holtain

Calculation and result interpretation:

• Average sum of 7 sites
• The average range vary for specific sports

Measurement Techniques

Biceps

• Subject standing with arm hanging
• Site: Anterior mid arm, midway between shoulder & elbow
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin above midpoint
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm

Triceps:

• Subject standing with arms hanging at side
• Site: mid triceps posterior triceps skin fold between the shoulder and elbow
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin
• Place pincer point at a 1cm depth
• Hold position for 3-4 seconds
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement in mm

Supra-iliac

• Subject standing
• Site: 5cm above the anterior superior iliac spine
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin at a 45 degree angle to body
• Place pincer of caliper at a 1cm depth
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm

Subscapular

• Subject standing
• Site: 1cm below the inferior angle of the scapular
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin
• Place pincer of caliper at a 1cm depth at a 45 degree angle superiomedially
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm

Pectoral

• Subject standing
• Site: Point between the axilla and nipple, high on anterior axillary fold
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin
• Place pincer of caliper at a 1cm depth
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm

Anterior thigh

• Subject standing
• Site: Midpoint of front (anterior) of thigh midway between knee cap (patella) and the top of thigh crease (inguinal fold)
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin
• Place pincer of caliper at a 1cm depth
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm

Calf

• Subject standing
• Site: Inside (medial) area of the largest calf circumference area
• Use forefinger & thumb to grasp subcutaneous and skin
• Place pincer of caliper at a 1cm depth
• Hold position 3-4 s
• Take several measurements for accuracy
• Measurement recorded in mm