skinnfoldsmesure

Skinnfoldsmesure is an anthropometric technique used to estimate body fat by measuring the thickness of subcutaneous fat folds with calipers. It relies on the premise that subcutaneous fat thickness at specific body sites correlates with overall body fat percentage. In practice, practitioners select standardized measurement sites, record the thickness of each fold, and apply regression equations to derive body density and, subsequently, percent body fat.

The method is commonly implemented using three-, four-, or seven-site protocols. Typical sites include chest, abdomen, and thigh for one common male protocol, and triceps, suprailiac, and thigh for a standard female protocol; other configurations use additional sites. Measurements are taken in duplicate or triplicate, with calipers positioned perpendicular to the skin and the skinfold pinched firmly. The sum of site measurements is substituted into established equations (such as Jackson-Pollock or Durnin-Womersley) to estimate body density, which is then converted to body fat percentage using formulas like Siri or Brozek.

Skinnfoldsmesure offers a portable and cost-effective means of assessing body composition, suitable for field settings, sports science, and clinical screening. Its accuracy depends on proper technique, site selection, caliper calibration, and standardized procedures. Limitations include operator variability, sensitivity to hydration and recent exercise, and reduced reliability at extreme body compositions. It is often complemented by other methods, such as bioelectrical impedance or imaging techniques, for comprehensive assessment.

See also: body fat measurement, anthropometry, skinfold calipers, body composition.