Non-imaging method: surface anthropometry

Abstract

The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocols should be followed for physical assessment of body size, shape and composition. The advantages of the ISAK surface anthropometry methods are that assessments take approximately 10 min for a restricted profile and up to 30 min for a full profile, and the equipment is readily available and easily calibrated. The methods are valid and reliable if ISAK training is undertaken to ensure correct landmarking is performed. International data are available for comparison of athlete measures for many sports. The disadvantage of the ISAK surface anthropometry technique is that skinfold callipers compress the adipose tissue resulting in variation in measurements. Therefore, a complete data set of the proforma is obtained before repeating the measurements for the second and then third time. This may help to reduce the effects of skinfold compressibility