RESUMO
The considerable amount of original and generic types of skinfold calipers available is a source of systematic measurement error. This study is a brief report that critically examines the original and illustrated structural configuration of the three main types of skinfold calipers. For more than half a century, the Harpenden®, Lange® and Slim Guide® skinfolds calipers have been widely used in clinical and research settings. It is well established that the physical, mechanical and functional specificity of each type of skinfold caliper makes its interchangeable use impossible. Our report suggests that commercially available technical specifications are insufficient to judiciously choose a skinfold caliper. The area of the jaws, the coefficient of spring and the static and dynamic downward pressure of each type of skinfold caliper must be determined in the metrological laboratory and added to the technical user manual. Choosing a type of skinfold caliper for regular use, without conflict of commercial interest, requires a critical understanding of the physical, mechanical and functional characteristics that configure it. Therefore, a new downward static calibration test and the first eligibility flowchart for a skinfold caliper have been proposed. Finally, the information gathered in this report may be useful for manufacturers of anthropometric instruments and health professionals who use the skinfold technique as a tool for diagnosis and nutritional control.
Assuntos
Dobras Cutâneas , Antropometria , Estações do AnoRESUMO
ABSTRACT Introduction This study aimed to propose regression equations for the correction of fat percentage values obtained with the WCS Dual Hand skinfold caliper, using the Lange skinfold caliper as a reference. Methods This study evaluated 112 undergraduate students from the Physical Education and Physical Therapy programs of the Faculdade Dom Bosco, located in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Of these, 58 women were 24.9±5.8 years old and 54 men were 27.6±7.9 years old. The evaluation comprised the following measurements: height, body mass, and nine skin folds with WCS Dual Hand and Lange skinfold calipers used in biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, pectoral, average axillary, medial thigh, abdominal, and calf measurements. Results Through the simple linear regression analysis, eight equations were generated to correct the relative body fat obtained with equations commonly used in Brazil. For these correction equations, R2 was between 0.830 and 0.961 and p-value was 0.000 for all measurements. Conclusion These results indicate the use of equations for the correction of estimated values of relative body fat measured with the WCS Dual Hand skinfold caliper, whenever the Lange skinfold caliper is not available, in order to minimize the difference between them.