Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use?
The considerable amount of original and generic types of skinfold calipers available is a source of systematic measurement error. This study is a brief report that critically examines the original and illustrated structural configuration of the three main types of skinfold calipers. For more than ha...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Cambridge University Press
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Nutritional Science |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2048679023000587/type/journal_article |
| _version_ | 1827897602674262016 |
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| author | Joaquim H. Cintra-Andrade Wagner L. Ripka Steven B. Heymsfield |
| author_facet | Joaquim H. Cintra-Andrade Wagner L. Ripka Steven B. Heymsfield |
| author_sort | Joaquim H. Cintra-Andrade |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The considerable amount of original and generic types of skinfold calipers available is a source of systematic measurement error. This study is a brief report that critically examines the original and illustrated structural configuration of the three main types of skinfold calipers. For more than half a century, the Harpenden®, Lange® and Slim Guide® skinfolds calipers have been widely used in clinical and research settings. It is well established that the physical, mechanical and functional specificity of each type of skinfold caliper makes its interchangeable use impossible. Our report suggests that commercially available technical specifications are insufficient to judiciously choose a skinfold caliper. The area of the jaws, the coefficient of spring and the static and dynamic downward pressure of each type of skinfold caliper must be determined in the metrological laboratory and added to the technical user manual. Choosing a type of skinfold caliper for regular use, without conflict of commercial interest, requires a critical understanding of the physical, mechanical and functional characteristics that configure it. Therefore, a new downward static calibration test and the first eligibility flowchart for a skinfold caliper have been proposed. Finally, the information gathered in this report may be useful for manufacturers of anthropometric instruments and health professionals who use the skinfold technique as a tool for diagnosis and nutritional control. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T22:51:27Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d64f267c787c462fa47fcf1a40f8873e |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2048-6790 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T22:51:27Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Nutritional Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-d64f267c787c462fa47fcf1a40f8873e2023-07-20T10:27:51ZengCambridge University PressJournal of Nutritional Science2048-67902023-01-011210.1017/jns.2023.58Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use?Joaquim H. Cintra-Andrade0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8614-2939Wagner L. Ripka1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6191-1188Steven B. Heymsfield2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1127-9425Ceará State University, Fortaleza, CE, BrazilFederal University of Technology – Paraná, Curitiba, PR, BrazilPennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United StatesThe considerable amount of original and generic types of skinfold calipers available is a source of systematic measurement error. This study is a brief report that critically examines the original and illustrated structural configuration of the three main types of skinfold calipers. For more than half a century, the Harpenden®, Lange® and Slim Guide® skinfolds calipers have been widely used in clinical and research settings. It is well established that the physical, mechanical and functional specificity of each type of skinfold caliper makes its interchangeable use impossible. Our report suggests that commercially available technical specifications are insufficient to judiciously choose a skinfold caliper. The area of the jaws, the coefficient of spring and the static and dynamic downward pressure of each type of skinfold caliper must be determined in the metrological laboratory and added to the technical user manual. Choosing a type of skinfold caliper for regular use, without conflict of commercial interest, requires a critical understanding of the physical, mechanical and functional characteristics that configure it. Therefore, a new downward static calibration test and the first eligibility flowchart for a skinfold caliper have been proposed. Finally, the information gathered in this report may be useful for manufacturers of anthropometric instruments and health professionals who use the skinfold technique as a tool for diagnosis and nutritional control.https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2048679023000587/type/journal_articleAnthropometrySkinfold caliperSkinfold thicknessNutritional assessment |
| spellingShingle | Joaquim H. Cintra-Andrade Wagner L. Ripka Steven B. Heymsfield Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? Journal of Nutritional Science Anthropometry Skinfold caliper Skinfold thickness Nutritional assessment |
| title | Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? |
| title_full | Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? |
| title_fullStr | Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? |
| title_short | Skinfold calipers: which instrument to use? |
| title_sort | skinfold calipers which instrument to use |
| topic | Anthropometry Skinfold caliper Skinfold thickness Nutritional assessment |
| url | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2048679023000587/type/journal_article |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT joaquimhcintraandrade skinfoldcaliperswhichinstrumenttouse AT wagnerlripka skinfoldcaliperswhichinstrumenttouse AT stevenbheymsfield skinfoldcaliperswhichinstrumenttouse |