Subcutaneous fat measurements of the leg using three protocols

Abstract

A study involving 42 young adults was conducted to compare three protocols for measuring subcutaneous fat thickness at selected sites on the leg, and to concurrently assess their respective levels of association. Subjects included 21 men and 21 women, 18-24 years of age. Skinfold calipers, A-mode ultrasound, and B-mode ultrasound were used to measure subcutaneous fat thickness at the quadriceps femoris, hamstring, and calf, except skinfold were unobtained at the hamstring site. The existence of significant differences (p < .05) between procedures was variable depending upon site of measurement and gender of the subject. Correlations between the three protocols were positive with levels ranging from .50 to .91. Since no criterion measure of site-specific subcutaneous fat thickness was assessed, it remains unclear as to which of the three protocols is more valid. Although measurements generated by the protocols were positively associated at moderate to high levels, they were similar on an inconsistent basis. Consequently, it would be inappropriate to interchange measurements generated by these three protocols.

Publication Title

Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness

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