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Field and Laboratory-based Fitness Testing A2
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- Pearson
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- Pearson (PEARSON)
Second assignment aid for field and lab testing module.
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A2 - Anthropometry and somatotype testingLearning Aim - Undertake anthropometry and somatotype testing procedures in sport.
Anthropometric Assessments
Anthropometry is known as “the study of human body measurements especially on a comparative
basis”, (Anthropometry, no date). These tests can measure the height, weight and size of the human
body to compare the proportions, indicating their level of health. Optimal results will be different for
each type of sport, so those participating must be aware that the body proportions may be different to
those of different sports. For example, figure skaters will have a much smaller build and
height-to-weight ratio in comparison to rugby players. 4/B.P3
Skinfold Tests
The ‘Skinfold Test’ is used to predict the percentage of body fat, based on “the hypothesis that body
fat is equally distributed over the body and the thickness of the skinfold is a measure for subcutaneous
fat”, (Skinfold Measurements, no date). To make the sites of measurement more accessible, wearing a
vest / t-shirt and shorts is the best option.
The reason behind the skinfold test being one of the most widely utilised assessments for body
composition is because it is much simpler to other techniques, e.g. hydrostatic weighing. In addition
to this, the costs are not high in comparison as the only required tools are the callipers.
Durnin and Wormerlsey (1974) Skinfold Method
This is considered a popular body fat measurement technique due to its simplicity. It utilises four
areas - biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac - with two calculations (one for each sex) to
determine the results. Even so, this is still only an estimate of body fat percentage. There have been
sporadic reports from athletes / the more fit population, that the results are inaccurate, so it should not
be relied on for extremely accurate results more so generalisations.4/B.P3
Methodology;
- Taken from the biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac, from the right side of the body
unless there is a deformity.
- Mark each site with a pen and use a tape measure to find the midpoints, there must be a
minimum of two measurements at each site.
- There are then two calculations that can be done to determine the results, one for each sex.
Jackson and Pollock’s (1978 & 1980) Three-site Skinfold Method
The difference with this skinfold test and the previous, is the locations of measurement as well as the
calculation after. They currently have three equations, the simplest being 3- and 4-spot body fat
formulas, though this simplicity in comparison to their 7-spot method means there is a higher
probability for human error. The creation of the 7-spot method was to limit the potential for human
error, measuring; chest, midaxillary, tricep, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac, and thigh (Body Fat
Formula: Jackson-Pollock 7, no date).4/B.P3
Methodology;
The biggest difference between the DW skinfold method and this, is the areas of measurement as
they differ between male and female participants. The 3-spot method means male participants require
skinfold results (mm) from; the chest, abdomen and thigh. While the female results are derived from
the triceps, suprailiac and thigh.
, BMI
Another method is through the BMI (body mass index) test. It is used to measure body composition
in kg/m2 and used to state whether or not an individual is at a healthy weight. In terms of the general
population, BMI is a good representative as it will work for most people therefore allowing
researchers to understand how rates of obesity differ over time (etc). It also allows for a general
understanding of the risks surrounding a person’s current weight to height ratio, severely over or
under-weight individuals will experience different health concerns.
There are some concerns with the results of BMI tests in that it doesn’t take into account where the
weight comes from (whether its lean tissue or fat). So, for example, this could end on either spectrum
with either somebody being underestimated on the BMI scale or somebody being overestimated. The
overestimation is a common problem for athletes with a lot of muscle (e.g. weightlifters) as they are
physically fit though their weight states they are in the overweight / obese category.4/B.P3 4/B.M2
Methodology;
To calculate BMI, the equation - weight (kg) / height2 (m) - is used.
Biometric Impedance Analysis (BIA)
BIA is used to predict the percentage of body fat in an individual through the use of small electrical
currents. It assesses your body composition, the measurements of fat in relation to lean body mass, as
body composition is shown to be directly related to health.4/B.P3
Methodology;
After registering all the details on the Tanita BIA machine, the subject should be standing bare-foot
on the scaled electrodes. They then will be able to grab the hand-held electrodes to provide whole
body composition measurements. Low and safe electrical currents will run through the body’s tissues
in order to come up with values through scientifically validated equations, (How does BIA technology
work?, 2018).
Hydrostatic Weighing
Also known as hydrodensitometry, hydrostatic weighing is used for predicting the percentage of
body fat carried out in an underwater weighing tank. It is “based on the principle that weight under
water is directly proportional to the volume of water displaced by the body volume”.4/B.P3
Methodology;
1. The test administrator measures and records your body weight on land.
2. You then slowly enter a water tank that has an underwater seat hanging from a scale.
3. Your test administrator instructs you to completely submerge underwater while sitting on the
chair and to breathe out fully.
4. You repeat the test three more times.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Similar to the BMI test, it determines the levels of obesity and those at risk of different
cardiovascular diseases / conditions.4/B.P3
Methodology;
1. Firmly wrap a tape measure around the waist (smallest point), usually lying around the belly
button.
2. Next measure around the hips, at the widest point.
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