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Sassy69
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Here is a great site to locate the pinch points for a 7 pt caliper bodyfat test (WITH PIX!): http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/magazine/ultimatebodyfattestingguide.htm
And to calculate a 3 or 7 pt caliper measured bodyfat: http://www.exrx.net/Testing.html - Under Body Composition - skinfold calculations
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/bodycomp.html
Body Composition Methods:
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Skinfold Measurements
Description: This method is the most widely used body composition testing method for assessing percent body fat. Equipment used for this assessment includes a skinfold caliper. A Skinfold Caliper is designed specifically for simple accurate measurement of subcutaneous tissue. Either a 7 or 3 site skinfold may be assessed.
7 site skinfold:
chest
triceps
subscapular
axilla
suprailiac
abdomen
thigh
3 site skinfold (Men):
chest
abdomen
thigh
3 Site Skinfold (Women)
tricep
suprailiac
thigh
How accurate is it?
If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a +/- 3% error. Validity (compared to underwater weighing): 7 site skinfold (r = .90), 3 site skinfold (r = .89).*
Commonly used calipers:
Lange Skinfold Caliper: This type of caliper is widely used in schools, colleges, and fitness centers. It is very popular among physical educators, coaches, and health and fitness professionals. The price range is $ 179.00 – $220.00.
Harpenden Skinfold Caliper: the standard caliper used in research. The majority of data involving body composition assessments dealing with the relationship of skinfold thickness to percent body fat in use today are based on studies using this caliper. It’s accuracy is within ± 0.2 mm and can be read to the nearest 0.1 mm. Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is popular among Exercise Scientists and or Health Science Researchers. The price range is $275.00 – $400.00.
Advantages:
Easy to use once skill has been mastered
Does not require much time
Noninvasive method
Inexpensive way of estimating percent body fat
Disadvantages:
Technical sources of error
Mostly concerned with subcutaneous fat (under the skin)
May not be an ideal measurement for those who are obese and very lean
Where can I have my body composition assessed by skinfold calipers?
School
College
YMCA
Hospital Based Wellness Program
Recreational Program
Commercial Fitness Club
Community Fitness Club
Sport/Exercise Physiology Laboratory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwater Weighing
(a.k.a. Hydrostatic Weighing)
Description: This method uses Archimedes principle which states that when a body is submerged in water, there is a buoyant counter force equal to the weight of the water which is displaced. Because bone and muscle are more dense than water, a person with a larger percentage of fat free mass will weigh more in the water and have a lower percent body fat. Conversely, fat floats. Therefore, a large amount of fat mass will make the body lighter in the water and have a higher percent body fat.
How accurate is it?
If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a +/- 1.5% error. (Note: Accuracy depends on the client’s ability to blow all the air out of their lungs both during a pre-test screening with a spirometer, and during the test itself. Since air makes the body float, inability to perform either of these maneuvers will result in miscalculation of the percent body fat.)
Advantages:
This method is currently considered the "gold standard" in percent body fat measurement
Repeat measures usually prove consistent, and can be used to chart progress
Disadvantages:
This method usually requires a lot of equipment and space
Testing is time consuming and involved
Requires in-depth knowledge to administer the tests and compute the calculations
Being submerged under water may be difficult and produce anxiety for some
Cost:
Usually hydrostatic weighing will cost anywhere from $10-$75 due to the involved nature of the test.
Where?
Available at research institutions and colleges or universities
Discounted pricing is usually available for students.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bioelectrical Impedence
Description: By standing barefoot on metal foot plates, an undetectably low voltage electric current is sent up one leg and down the other. Since fat is a very poor conductor of electricity, a lot of fat will impede the current more so than a lot of lean tissue. By measuring the resistance to the current, the machine estimates the percent body fat.
How accurate is it? BIA accuracy, if done correctly on properly operating equipment, is approximately +/- 3%. However, accuracy is dependant upon several client-based variables. It is recommended the following guidelines be followed:
Abstain from eating and drinking within 4 hours of the test
Avoid exercising within 12 hours of the test
Void (urinate) completely prior to testing
Do not drink alcohol within 48 hours of the test
Avoid taking diuretics prior to testing unless instructed by your physician
Advantages:
Requires little or no technical knowledge of the operator or the client
Testing itself takes less than a minute
The unit can be easily transported from place to place
Requires only an electrical outlet and the machine itself
Disadvantages:
This method has a higher standard error range than most people desire
Tends to consistently overestimate lean people and underestimate obese people
The accuracy BIA does have is very dependant on multiple variables which may be hard to control for some people
Cost:
BIA machines can be purchased for home use for anywhere between $100-$400.
To be measured on a machine at a school or club, prices range from free to $30 per use.
Where Can I Have it Done?
BIA is popular in health and fitness clubs due to its ease of operation.
They may also be found at health fairs, schools or universities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bod Pod (Air Displacement)
Description: One of the newest forms of body composition testing involving state of the art technology, developed by Life Measurements Instruments, Concord, CA. The use of Bod Pod correlates nicely with the concept of hydrostatic weighing (underwater weighing). Instead of using water to measure body volume, the Bod Pod uses air displacement to measure body volume. Measurement time takes roughly 5 to 8 minutes per individual.
How accurate is it? If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a ± 3% error. According to McCrory, et al.*, the Bod pod has a validity of r = .93 using hydrostatic weighing as the criterion measure. * Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(12): 1686-1691, 1995.
Factors that may affect accuracy of the Bod Pod
Hydration status and increases in muscle temperature can adversely affect calculation results
Also, it is imperative to breath normal, remain still, and keep hands in lap while being assessed by the Bod Pod (any slight movement or change in breathing pattern may affect results)
Attire required for assessment by the Bod Pod
Spandex shorts (Imperative that tight fitting shorts are worn)
Swim cap
Advantages
Does not require getting wet
Not difficult to operate
Measurement time is short
Well suited for special populations (children, obese, elderly, and disabled persons)
Disadvantages
Very expensive ($30,000 - $40,000)
Only a few facilities have the Bod Pod
Where can I have my body composition assessed by the Bod Pod?
Available at research laboratories
Available at athletic facilities (Pro and College)
How much does it cost to have my body composition assessed by the Bod Pod?
$40 - $65 per visit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
Description: DEXA is a fairly new technology. It is based on the three component model of body composition. DEXA uses two X-ray energies to measure body fat, muscle, and bone mineral. When having the scan done, one must lay still in the supine position on what looks like an x-ray table. It takes approximately twelve minutes for the computer software to produce an image of the tissues. The results may be viewed as whole body estimates of body fat, muscle, and bone mineral as well as regional body estimates.
How accurate is it?: DEXA takes bone mineral content into consideration when estimating body fat and muscle, therefore it is considered to be more accurate and valid than a two component model of body composition such as underwater weighing.
Advantages:
Radiation exposure is low
DEXA is quick
One does not have to wear a bathing suit or skimpy clothing
There is no special preparation on the part of the participant
Disadvantages:
DEXA is costly
Cost:
DEXA may cost as much as $300
Where Can I Have it Done?
It can be done at universities and research facilities
It may be free for those participating in a research study
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Near Infrared Interactance (NIR) Futrex 5000
Description: This method of assessing body fat is based on the principles of light absorbtion , reflectance, and near infrared spectroscopy. To estimate body composition , a computerized spectrophotometer that has a scan and probe are used. The probe is placed onto a selected body site such as the biceps; it emitts an infrared light which passes through both fat and muscle and is reflected back to the probe. Subject data such as height, weight, sex, age, frame size and activity level are taken into consideration. Density measurements are obtained and incorporated into the manufacturer’s prediction equations. A digital read out including percentage body fat and lean tissue are displayed. Futrex 5000 is an example of NIR.
How Accurate is it?
This method of assessing body fat is not the most accurate. In a study by *Mclean et al (1992), it was found that skinfolds more accurately predicted body fat than NIR when underwater weighing was used as the criterion measure. In their study, Futrex 5000 underestimated body fat by more than 4% in subjects greater than 30% fat and overestimated body fat by 4% in subjects less than 8% fat. * Medicine and Exercise in Sports and Exercise. Validity of Futrex-5000 for Body Composition. Vol. 2 No.2 pg. 253-257, 1992
Advantages:
Safe
Non-invasive
Fast
Convenient.
Disadvantages:
Not one of the most accurate techniques used to assess body fat composition.
Cost:
Fairly inexpensive. It may cost anywhere from twenty to forty dollars.
Where Can I Have it Done?
Health clubs
Weight loss centers
Medical practices offering weight loss programs
And to calculate a 3 or 7 pt caliper measured bodyfat: http://www.exrx.net/Testing.html - Under Body Composition - skinfold calculations
http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/bodycomp.html
Body Composition Methods:
- Skinfold Measurements
Underwater Weighing
Bioelectrical Impedence
Bod Pod (Air Displacement)
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
Near Infrared Interactance (NIR) Futrex 5000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skinfold Measurements
Description: This method is the most widely used body composition testing method for assessing percent body fat. Equipment used for this assessment includes a skinfold caliper. A Skinfold Caliper is designed specifically for simple accurate measurement of subcutaneous tissue. Either a 7 or 3 site skinfold may be assessed.
7 site skinfold:
chest
triceps
subscapular
axilla
suprailiac
abdomen
thigh
3 site skinfold (Men):
chest
abdomen
thigh
3 Site Skinfold (Women)
tricep
suprailiac
thigh
How accurate is it?
If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a +/- 3% error. Validity (compared to underwater weighing): 7 site skinfold (r = .90), 3 site skinfold (r = .89).*
Commonly used calipers:
Lange Skinfold Caliper: This type of caliper is widely used in schools, colleges, and fitness centers. It is very popular among physical educators, coaches, and health and fitness professionals. The price range is $ 179.00 – $220.00.
Harpenden Skinfold Caliper: the standard caliper used in research. The majority of data involving body composition assessments dealing with the relationship of skinfold thickness to percent body fat in use today are based on studies using this caliper. It’s accuracy is within ± 0.2 mm and can be read to the nearest 0.1 mm. Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is popular among Exercise Scientists and or Health Science Researchers. The price range is $275.00 – $400.00.
Advantages:
Easy to use once skill has been mastered
Does not require much time
Noninvasive method
Inexpensive way of estimating percent body fat
Disadvantages:
Technical sources of error
Mostly concerned with subcutaneous fat (under the skin)
May not be an ideal measurement for those who are obese and very lean
Where can I have my body composition assessed by skinfold calipers?
School
College
YMCA
Hospital Based Wellness Program
Recreational Program
Commercial Fitness Club
Community Fitness Club
Sport/Exercise Physiology Laboratory
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underwater Weighing
(a.k.a. Hydrostatic Weighing)
Description: This method uses Archimedes principle which states that when a body is submerged in water, there is a buoyant counter force equal to the weight of the water which is displaced. Because bone and muscle are more dense than water, a person with a larger percentage of fat free mass will weigh more in the water and have a lower percent body fat. Conversely, fat floats. Therefore, a large amount of fat mass will make the body lighter in the water and have a higher percent body fat.
How accurate is it?
If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a +/- 1.5% error. (Note: Accuracy depends on the client’s ability to blow all the air out of their lungs both during a pre-test screening with a spirometer, and during the test itself. Since air makes the body float, inability to perform either of these maneuvers will result in miscalculation of the percent body fat.)
Advantages:
This method is currently considered the "gold standard" in percent body fat measurement
Repeat measures usually prove consistent, and can be used to chart progress
Disadvantages:
This method usually requires a lot of equipment and space
Testing is time consuming and involved
Requires in-depth knowledge to administer the tests and compute the calculations
Being submerged under water may be difficult and produce anxiety for some
Cost:
Usually hydrostatic weighing will cost anywhere from $10-$75 due to the involved nature of the test.
Where?
Available at research institutions and colleges or universities
Discounted pricing is usually available for students.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bioelectrical Impedence
Description: By standing barefoot on metal foot plates, an undetectably low voltage electric current is sent up one leg and down the other. Since fat is a very poor conductor of electricity, a lot of fat will impede the current more so than a lot of lean tissue. By measuring the resistance to the current, the machine estimates the percent body fat.
How accurate is it? BIA accuracy, if done correctly on properly operating equipment, is approximately +/- 3%. However, accuracy is dependant upon several client-based variables. It is recommended the following guidelines be followed:
Abstain from eating and drinking within 4 hours of the test
Avoid exercising within 12 hours of the test
Void (urinate) completely prior to testing
Do not drink alcohol within 48 hours of the test
Avoid taking diuretics prior to testing unless instructed by your physician
Advantages:
Requires little or no technical knowledge of the operator or the client
Testing itself takes less than a minute
The unit can be easily transported from place to place
Requires only an electrical outlet and the machine itself
Disadvantages:
This method has a higher standard error range than most people desire
Tends to consistently overestimate lean people and underestimate obese people
The accuracy BIA does have is very dependant on multiple variables which may be hard to control for some people
Cost:
BIA machines can be purchased for home use for anywhere between $100-$400.
To be measured on a machine at a school or club, prices range from free to $30 per use.
Where Can I Have it Done?
BIA is popular in health and fitness clubs due to its ease of operation.
They may also be found at health fairs, schools or universities.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bod Pod (Air Displacement)
Description: One of the newest forms of body composition testing involving state of the art technology, developed by Life Measurements Instruments, Concord, CA. The use of Bod Pod correlates nicely with the concept of hydrostatic weighing (underwater weighing). Instead of using water to measure body volume, the Bod Pod uses air displacement to measure body volume. Measurement time takes roughly 5 to 8 minutes per individual.
How accurate is it? If each test is performed correctly according to the recommended guidelines, there is a ± 3% error. According to McCrory, et al.*, the Bod pod has a validity of r = .93 using hydrostatic weighing as the criterion measure. * Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(12): 1686-1691, 1995.
Factors that may affect accuracy of the Bod Pod
Hydration status and increases in muscle temperature can adversely affect calculation results
Also, it is imperative to breath normal, remain still, and keep hands in lap while being assessed by the Bod Pod (any slight movement or change in breathing pattern may affect results)
Attire required for assessment by the Bod Pod
Spandex shorts (Imperative that tight fitting shorts are worn)
Swim cap
Advantages
Does not require getting wet
Not difficult to operate
Measurement time is short
Well suited for special populations (children, obese, elderly, and disabled persons)
Disadvantages
Very expensive ($30,000 - $40,000)
Only a few facilities have the Bod Pod
Where can I have my body composition assessed by the Bod Pod?
Available at research laboratories
Available at athletic facilities (Pro and College)
How much does it cost to have my body composition assessed by the Bod Pod?
$40 - $65 per visit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)
Description: DEXA is a fairly new technology. It is based on the three component model of body composition. DEXA uses two X-ray energies to measure body fat, muscle, and bone mineral. When having the scan done, one must lay still in the supine position on what looks like an x-ray table. It takes approximately twelve minutes for the computer software to produce an image of the tissues. The results may be viewed as whole body estimates of body fat, muscle, and bone mineral as well as regional body estimates.
How accurate is it?: DEXA takes bone mineral content into consideration when estimating body fat and muscle, therefore it is considered to be more accurate and valid than a two component model of body composition such as underwater weighing.
Advantages:
Radiation exposure is low
DEXA is quick
One does not have to wear a bathing suit or skimpy clothing
There is no special preparation on the part of the participant
Disadvantages:
DEXA is costly
Cost:
DEXA may cost as much as $300
Where Can I Have it Done?
It can be done at universities and research facilities
It may be free for those participating in a research study
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Near Infrared Interactance (NIR) Futrex 5000
Description: This method of assessing body fat is based on the principles of light absorbtion , reflectance, and near infrared spectroscopy. To estimate body composition , a computerized spectrophotometer that has a scan and probe are used. The probe is placed onto a selected body site such as the biceps; it emitts an infrared light which passes through both fat and muscle and is reflected back to the probe. Subject data such as height, weight, sex, age, frame size and activity level are taken into consideration. Density measurements are obtained and incorporated into the manufacturer’s prediction equations. A digital read out including percentage body fat and lean tissue are displayed. Futrex 5000 is an example of NIR.
How Accurate is it?
This method of assessing body fat is not the most accurate. In a study by *Mclean et al (1992), it was found that skinfolds more accurately predicted body fat than NIR when underwater weighing was used as the criterion measure. In their study, Futrex 5000 underestimated body fat by more than 4% in subjects greater than 30% fat and overestimated body fat by 4% in subjects less than 8% fat. * Medicine and Exercise in Sports and Exercise. Validity of Futrex-5000 for Body Composition. Vol. 2 No.2 pg. 253-257, 1992
Advantages:
Safe
Non-invasive
Fast
Convenient.
Disadvantages:
Not one of the most accurate techniques used to assess body fat composition.
Cost:
Fairly inexpensive. It may cost anywhere from twenty to forty dollars.
Where Can I Have it Done?
Health clubs
Weight loss centers
Medical practices offering weight loss programs
Last edited:
But it hurts. (The pinching, I mean.)
