Skinfold Procedures

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Measurementsshould be madeon the right side ofthe bodyCaliper should beplaced 1-2 cmaway from thethumb and finger

perpendicular to the skin foldhalfway between the crest and the base of the fold

Release the caliper lever so its spring tension is exerted onthe skinfoldMaintained pinch while reading caliperRead dial on caliper

Between 1 to 2 seconds after lever has been releasedNearest 0.5 mm

ACSM: nearest mmTake duplicate measures at each site

ExRx.net (traditional method)If second measurement is not the same (mode)take third.If no 2 measurements are the same, take middleone (median)

ACSMIf within 1 or 2 mm take averageIf not within 1 or 2 mm take 3rd measurement.If still no match, then take average of 2 closestmeasurements.

NSCA

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If no more than 10% average two measurementsOtherwise, take one or more additionalmeasurements two are within 10%

Rotate through measurement sitesallows time for skin and underlying fat to regainnormal thickness

7 Site SkinfoldMeasurements

Male & FemaleTricepsChest/PectoralMidaxillarySubscapularSuprailiacAbdominalThigh

3 Site SkinfoldMeasurements

MaleChestAbdomenThigh

WomenTricepsSuprailiumThigh

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Skinfold Sites

ExRx.net > Fitness Testing > Instructions

Triceps

Vertical foldPosterior midline of the upper armHalfway between the acromion(shoulder) and olecranon processes(elbow)Arm held freely to the side of thebody

Chest

Diagonal foldMen: one-half the distance betweenthe anterior axillary line (crease of theunderarm) and the nippleWomen: one-third of the distancebetween the anterior axillary line andthe nipple

Midaxillary

Vertical or Horizontal foldMidaxillary line at the level of thexiphoid process of the sternum

Subscapular

Diagonal fold1 to 2 cm below the inferior angle ofthe scapula

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Suprailiac Abdominal

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Diagonal foldAnterior axillary line (moderntechnique)

immediately superior to the iliaccrestin line with the natural angle ofthe iliac crest taken

Mid-axillary line (traditionaltechnique)

Superior to the iliac crest

Vertical (modern technique)2 cm or 1" to the right side ofthe umbilicus

Horizontal fold (traditional)2 cm to the right side of theumbilicus

Thigh

Vertical foldAnterior midline of the thighMidway between the proximal borderof the patella (upper knee) and theinguinal crease (hip)

Other Sites

Biceps

Vertical foldAnterior aspect of the arm over thebelly of the biceps muscle1 cm above the level used to markthe triceps site

Calf

Vertical foldmaximum circumference of calf on themidline of medial border

Skinfold site illustration from Trainer Clip Art CD-ROM.

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Skinfold ProceduresSkinfold Sites