Iliac-crest

1
Common Skinfold Locations

Iliac-crest                           
Taken on a slight diagonal, this fold is
immediately. superior to the iliac crest.
Subscapula                             
Taken 2cm along the natural cleavage line,
from the undermost tip of the inferior angle of
the scapula. ( A I S )
Calf                             Taken
vertically at the most medial aspect of the calf
also at it's maximum circumference. ( A I S )
Mid-axilla                  Vertical fold
taken at the height of the xyphoid Process most
inferior aspect, along the ilio-axilla line.
Tricep                             A vertical
fold taken at the most posterior surface of the
triceps brachii when viewed from the side. ( A I
S )
Abdominal                            Taken
vertically with a broad grip, 5cm lateral to the
omphalion (centre of the umbilicus). ( A I S )
2
Bicep                               Taken
vertically at the midpoint, and most anterior
aspect of, the bicep brachii muscle. ( A I S )
Thigh                             Vertical
fold midway between the inguinal crease and
proximal border of the patella. ( A I S )
( A I S ) - signify the 7 sites most commonly
used by the Australian Institute of Sport many
other nations after the 1996 Atlanta Games.
t e c h n i q u e 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. 
a s s u m p t i o n s 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. c o n s i d
e r a t i o n s 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.