What is the error range for skin fold measurements?

Skinfold testing equations, like the Jackson-Pollock equation, were developed off of hydrostatic weighing measurements (which themselves are predictions with error). Thus, if hydrostatic weighing can have an error rate of up to 5-6% in individuals, then skinfold testing equations are going to compound that error.

Is skin fold measurement accurate?

The calculations and calipers themselves are very accurate. While there is large room for user error in skin fold measurements, skilled trainers who practice often can obtain up to 98% accuracy.

Why is the skinfold test not accurate?

According to the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines for caliper use, not only are there guidelines for locating each skinfold site, there are variances between how the jaws must be placed on each skinfold. Depending on skinfold thickness, taking a reading immediately after pinching can distort the results.

Which of the following are the correct Pinch sites for a 3 site skinfold measurement on a man?

The pinch is taken between the nipple and the armpit (axilla) but closer to the armpit, approximately 1/3 the distance. The skin fold is a diagonal one in the direction of the nipple-armpit line….Male Only.

Learn More	Enter 3 Belly Measurements
2nd	Belly measurement #2 No text
3rd	Belly measurement #3 No text

How accurate is Jackson Pollock?

The Jackson-Pollack method for evaluating body fat percentage requires three skinfold measurements. The method isn’t foolproof — body fat estimations based on skinfold tests have about a 3.5 percent standard error rate, according to the American Council on Exercise.

What is the skinfold caliper test?

A skinfold caliper is used to assess the skinfold thickness, so that a prediction of the total amount of body fat can be made. This method is based on the hypothesis that the body fat is equally distributed over the body and that the thickness of the skinfold is a measure for subcutaneous fat.

Are calipers more accurate than scales?

Generally considered more accurate than the body fat percentage scales, results can vary widely depending on who is administering the test and his or her skill level. Plus, calipers can only measure subcutaneous fat. (Here’s what you need to know about the different types of fat and why they matter.)

What are the disadvantages of the skinfold test?

A critical disadvantage in the use of skinfolds is that it is limited to the assessment of subcutaneous fat only, and cannot accurately distinguish between abdominal visceral adipose tissue and saturated adipose tissue.

How do you measure skin folds?

Chest or pectoral skinfold: For men, get a diagonal fold half way between the armpit and the nipple. In women, a diagonal fold 1/3 of the way from the arm pit to the nipple. Mid-Axillary: A vertical fold on the mid-axillary line which runs directly down from the center of the armpit.