Circumferences
|
|
Head CircumferenceHead circumference is measured using a fiberglass or steel measuring tape. The subject's head should be held straight with eyes looking forward. The measurer's eyes should be level with the measuring tape when placed around the subject's head. The tape should be halfway over the eybrows in the front and on the most posterior part of the head in the back. In adolescents or adults, the tape should be over the brow ridges anteriorly. The tape should then be pulled tight to compress loose hair. The measurer should also make sure that there are no hair accessories in the area of the head being measured. The measurement is then read to the nearest 0.1 cm and recorded. |
|
|
Calf CircumferenceCalf circumference is measured with a steel or fiberglass measuring tape at the largest part of the calf. The subject should be sitting with the leg hanging loosely or standing with their weight evenly distributed on both feet (2). Cameron points out that it may be better to measure children in a non-weight bearing position to eliminate error that may occur if their weight is not evenly spread (1). For infants or those who are bedridden, subjects can also be lying supine with the leg bent at a ninety degree angle. Pants should either be rolled up or removed to uncover the calf. The measurer should find the part of the calf in which the gastrocnemius muscle seems to be sticking out the most. The measurer then wraps the tape around the calf at this point and observes the measurement. The measurer should then take additional measurements above and below this point to ensure that the first measurement was indeed the largest. An accurate measurement can only be obtained if the tape is in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the calf. Indentation of the skin around the tape is a sign that the tape is too tight. The tape should be loosened until it lies snugly on the skin. The place in which the largest measurement was obtained should be marked for use later in measuring calf skinfold. The largest measurement is the one recorded. The measurement should be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm. |
|
|
Mid-Arm CircumferenceArm circumference should be measured with the subject either sitting or standing with the arms relaxed and bent to a ninety degree angle. Shirt sleeves should be rolled up or shirts removed for this measurement. This measurement is also taken with a fiberglass measuring tape. Using the markings placed from measuring upper arm length, the measurer should locate the midpoint of the upper arm. The tape is then wrapped around the arm at this point making sure not to indent the skin. The procedure is similar to that of calf circumferences (see above).The tape should also be kept level around the arm in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the arm to ensure an accurate measurement. The measurement is read to the nearest 0.1 cm and recorded.
|
