Learning Resources 3
Week : March 6-10, 2023 |2nd Semester, S.Y. 2022-2023
COURSE MODULE
ANTHROPOMETRIC
MEASUREMENT
Kyle Casadei; John Kiel.
Author Information
Last Update: January 28, 2020.
Introduction
Anthropometric measurements are a series of quantitative measurements
of the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue used to assess the composition of
the body. The core elements of anthropometry are height, weight, body
mass index (BMI), body circumferences (waist, hip, and limbs), and
skinfold thickness. These measurements are important because they
represent diagnostic criteria for obesity, which significantly increases the
risk for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes
mellitus, and many more. Additionally, anthropometric measurements can
be used as a baseline for physical fitness and to measure the progress of
fitness.
Indications
There are several possible indications for anthropometric measurements.
In children, indications include stunting, wasting, and being underweight.
Stunting is when children have a low height-for-age, wasting is a low
weight-for-height, and underweight is a low weight-for-age. Mid-upper
arm circumference (MUAC) is a viable measurement in children or pregnant
women as a marker of nutritional status. BMI is another commonly
employed index of nutritional status and used as a gauge of malnutrition
in children and adults. BMI is useful to identify obesity and the severity of
obesity. Anthropometric measurements are often also used as part of the
evaluation of fitness in athletes.
Equipment

Weight scale

Tape measure
Technique
The exact technique, such as what side of the body to measure and what
decimal point to round to, can vary from one study to another but should
remain uniform within studies.
Weight measurement should be in kilograms. When measuring height, the
patient should stand with his or her heels together and weight evenly
distributed, the heels and buttocks must touch the vertical backboard. Feet
should face outward at a 60-degree angle. If the patient has genu valgum,
separate the feet enough to avoid overlapping of the knees, while
maintaining contact between the knees. Arms should be loosely hanging
at the sides with palms facing the thighs.
To measure upper arm length, find the superior edge of the spine of the
scapula. Then, run the measuring tape down the center of the triceps to
the olecranon.
COURSE MODULE
Immediately after measuring the upper arm length, the mid-point of the
arm should be marked in preparation to measure the mid-upper arm
circumference. The patient stands upright with the arm hanging freely at
the side. The patient should not flex the arm muscles. Measuring tape
placement should be snugly around the mid-point of the arm without
compressing the skin.
To measure waist circumference, patients should stand with the arms
crossed on the contralateral shoulders. Placement of the measuring tape
should be snugly around the lateral aspect of each ilium at the mid-axillary
line.
Unit of Measurement:
Weight
- Kilograms
Length and Circumference:
Centimeters
COURSE MODULE
HEIGHT AND ARM SPAN MEASUREMENT – (subject must stand
against a wall)
FOREARM
RELAXED ARM
THIGH
COURSE MODULE
CALF
TENSED ARM
ANKLE
Link:
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