When we were tackling nutrition assessment methods, we did mention body circumference measurements as a form of anthropometric assessment method. In this post, we will evaluate several of these measurements to determine what they entail.
Circumference measurements can be suitable indicators for determining one’s health status. They could indicate regional adiposity, muscle mass and predict probable clinical outcomes. Normally, it is preferable that circumference measurements be conducted on bare skin or when the layer of clothing is thin such as on tights or leggings. The following are various circumference measurements along with procedures to determine them:
Mid Upper Arm Circumference: The subject should stand with back toward the examiner, with their arms at their sides. The examiner should then palpitate for the acromion (at the tip of the shoulder) , and mark with a pen. The subject will then be required to flex his or her arm to an angle of 90°. The examiner identifies the olecranon (tip of the elbow) and marks it with a pen. The tape measure should be placed from the tip of shoulder and dropped to the tip of the elbow. The accurate distance should be identified, and a mark made between the acromion and olecranon. The circumference should then be measured at this midpoint of the arm.The examiner should ensure that the tape is horizontal around the upper arm. 3 measurements of the mid upper arm circumference are taken to the nearest 0.1 cm. All 3 measurements as well as the mean are recorded.
Mid thigh circumference: The subject should be standing in a relaxed position allowing the even distribution of weight on both feet. The examiner should determine the length of the femur by palpating for the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and mark with a pen, and assess for the lateral superior margin of the patella (LSMP) and also mark with pen. With the use of a tape, the mid-point between the LSMP and ASIS should be identified and marked. The examiner should ensure that the tape measure is horizontal around the thigh . 3 measurements of the thigh circumference at this middle point should be taken and their mean recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm.
Hip circumference: The subject should stand erect with feet together. The examiner should then measure the widest part near the lower buttocks. Tape should be placed horizontal around the hips. 3 measurements of hip circumference should be taken and measured to the nearest 0.1 cm. All measurements and the mean should be recorded.
Waist circumference: The examiner should stand behind the participant who is standing upright with feet together and arms at the sides, and palpate for the iliac crest (the large pelvic bone found below the waist). The tape should be placed horizontally .3 measurements should be taken to the nearest 0.1 cm and recorded, and their mean identified.
Calf circumference: The participant should stand with feet approximately 25 cm. The examiner should then place the tape around widest part of the calf. The examiner should ensure that the tape is placed horizontally around the calf. 3 measurements of the calf circumference should be performed to the nearest 0.1 cm, then all 3 measurements and the mean should be recorded.
Thigh circumference is frequently a reflection of peripheral subcutaneous fat and body muscle mass. Calf circumference could estimate body muscle mass as well. Waist-to-hip ratio (calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your hip circumference) is obtained from anthropometric measurements (the hip and waist circumference measurements), and is a good indicator of abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk. A waist-hip ratio of ≥0.90 for males and ≥0.85 for females is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Body circumference measurements are components of anthropometry. They are important assessment methods.They serve as indicators for one’s nutrition status and can predict certain health risks.