Anthropometry

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Anthropometry
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Growth increments, the difference between initial
and follow-up measurements, reflect recent growth
rate(growth velocity) and are sensitive
indicators of health and development.
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The trends revealed through serial anthropometric
data can be used to track the growth of an
individual child, detect growth abnormalities,
monitor nutritional status, and evaluate the
effect of nutritional intervention or the
treatment of disease.
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Measurement of growth may also be used as an
index of the general health and nutrition of a
population or subpopulation of children.
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Key points

• Serial measurement
• (longitudinal data)

• Training personnel

• Be made accurately

• To be recorded

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Indicators of measurement
Weight
Height (Length)
Sitting height
Head circumference
Chest circumference
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Weight measurement
Instruments
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Balance beam scale
upright scale
Pan-type pediatric scale
Platform beam scale
Chair -type pediatric scale
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The choice of Balance beam scales
Age Beam scale Maximum (kg) Accurate (kg)
lt1 1015 0.01
13 Chair-type 2030 0.05
37 Platform 50 0.1
gt7 Platform 100 0.1
Pan-type
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Techniques
Calibrated balance beam scale Checking and
adjustment of the zero weight on the beam
The weight of the pad or diaper will be
subtracted from the weight of the infant
Be performed in the morning after toilet time and
before the morning meal.

Notes the circumstance of measurement
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Height measurement
Instruments
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movable footboard
fixed headboard
table surface
a fixed measuring tape marked in millimeters
with its zero end at the edge of the headboard
Length-measuring device
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A guide for right-angle headboard
Measuring board for standing height
(or nonstretchable tape)
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Techniques
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Recumbent length is measured for children younger
than 36 months of age who cannot stand
unassisted.
Tow people are required to measure an infants
length.
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One person stands at the head of the table and
holds the infants head so the infant is looking
vertically upward, with the crown of the head
placed firmly against the headboard.
lt 3 years of age
Key points
hold
firmly against the headboard
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The another person straighten the infants legs,
holds the feet with toe pointed directly up, move
the footboard firmly against the feet, then reads
the measurement indicated by the position of the
footboard(the nearest 0.1cm).
Key points
straighten the infants legs
holds the feet with toe pointed directly up
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over 3 years of age
Underclothes
Stand with bare heels
Heels close together
Legs straight
Arms at the sides
Shoulders relaxed
(the nearest 0.1cm)
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SEGMENTAL MEASUREMENTS
Sitting height
The ratio of upper to lower segment
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lt 3 years of age
Instruments
Measuring board with a chairs for sitting height
over 3 years of age
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Techniques
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One person stands at the head of the table and
holds the infants head so the infant is looking
vertically upward, with the crown of the head
placed firmly against the headboard.
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The another person holds the infants knees to
made the shanks parallel the table surface,move
the footboard firmly against the buttocks, then
reads it (the nearest 0.1cm).
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Sit tight
Arms at the sides
Shoulders relaxed
Heels close together
Thighs parallel the ground
Shanks with the thighs
perpendicularly
(the nearest 0.1cm)
over 3 years of age
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Measurement of Head circumference
H.C measurement is an important screening
procedure to detect abnormalities of heard
growth, which usually are due to nonnutritional
factors.
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Head circumference should be measured routinely
in infants and children until they are 36 months
of age.
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Instruments
Flexible, nonstretchable measuring
paper or plastic tape
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Techniques
The circumference of the childs head at
its largest area
The measurer positions the lower edge of the tape
just above the eye-brows, above the ears, and
around the occipital prominence at the back of
the head . The tape should be pulled snug to
compress the hair.
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Measurement of Chest circumference
Represents the development of lungs and chest
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At birth, chest circumference is slightly smaller
than head circumference, about 1-2 cm. less. By
the end of first year, chest circumference is
nearly equal to head circumference, gradually the
chest development is quicker than the head growth.
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Instruments
Paper or plastic tape
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Techniques
The circumference from the nipple to the
shoulders angle.
shoulders angle
nipple