What Are Skinfold Calipers?
A skinfold caliper is a tool used in the measurement of body fat percentage. The skin is folded and then measured by these calipers. The results of measurements at several sites on the body are added up and used to calculate total body fat percentage.
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Target Population
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Anyone can use skinfold calipers to measure body fat. Reliable results may be difficult to obtain in obese people.
Validity
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Skinfold calipers do not give accurate measurements of body fat percentage. They can be used to measure changes in body fat over time.
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Reliability
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Reliability of results using skin calipers varies. The skill and experience of the tester affects the results greatly.
Advantages
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Skinfold measurements are much easier to perform than hydrostatic weighing. Costs are minimal after original outlay for clippers.
Miscellany
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Having another person (besides tester and subject) is important for legal reasons. Female testers for female subjects are important, as well.
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