Differences in Skinfold Thickness Depending on the Caliper Used.
Condition: Body Weight; Body Fat Disorder
MeSH terms: Body Weight
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      The present study aims to compare the results obtained from the assessment of skinfolds using
      four anthropometric calipers (Harpenden, Holtain, Slime Guide and Lipowise). The objectives
      are to check if there are differences depending on the caliper used to assess skinfolds, and
      to study the variation in skinfold compressibility as a function of the time elapsed from the
      application of the caliper to the measurement reading, as well as the validation of the
      Lipowise caliper. A cross-sectional study will be carried out with a sample of 100 university
      students aged between 18 and 25 years. Physical activity will be assessed by means of an
      International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and hydration status by urine samples.
      Anthropometric assessments, including weight, height, and eight skinfolds, will be performed
      according to the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry protocol,
      using the four previously mentioned calipers. Finally, a data analysis will be carried out to
      compare the results of the samples taken by the calipersand to draw conclusions.
    

Detailed description: 
      The objectives adressed in this study are: 1- To verify whether the model of adipometer used
      to measure skinfolds influences the results obtained. 2- To study the variation in skinfold
      compressibility as a function of the time elapsed between the application of the adipometer
      and the measurement reading.

      To achieve the above objectives, it is proposed to carry out a ten-month cross-sectional
      study.

      Sample:

      The sample will consist of 80 university students (40 males and 40 females), caucasian, aged
      between 18 and 25 years. This is a convenience sample recruited in Spain.

      The sample size was calculated based on previous criteria defined for validation studies,
      i.e. the number of subjects should be 7 times the number of items to be analysed and greater
      than or equal to 100. Taking into account that we will assess the 8 skinfolds defined by the
      International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry (ISAK), and taking into account
      possible sample losses, should be recruited 50 participants of each sex.

      Informed Consent All participants will be required to complete and sign the informed consent
      form, prior to the day of data collection, which we will designate as day 1, in a location
      that ensures their privacy, but in the presence of the investigator for clarification of any
      doubts that may arise. Participants will be reminded that: 1) their participation is
      voluntary and that they may leave the study if they wish; and 2) that all data collected are
      confidential.

      Collection procedures

      All assessments will be conducted on the same day, between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, in a
      laboratory with a temperature of 24ºC and ambient humidity between 65-70%, and where
      participant privacy is guaranteed. Data collection from each participant will last an
      estimated 1 hour. On the day of data collection, participants must respect the following
      conditions:

        -  No physical exercise in the 12 hours prior to the evaluation, in the case of moderate
           exercise, or in the last 24 hours, in the case of vigorous exercise;

        -  Not to have consumed products with diuretic properties in the 24 hours prior to the
           assessment;

        -  Not having used a sauna in the 24 hours prior to the assessment;

        -  Not having a large meal the day before or on the day of the assessment;

        -  In the case of female participants, be between days 8 and 21 of the menstrual cycle.

      Measurements Demographic data The following demographic data: date of birth, place/country of
      birth, sex, ethnicity, sporting practice (modality, level, years of practice, duration and
      weekly frequency of training) and day of the half cycle, will be obtained through a
      questionnaire. This questionnaire will be completed on the day the participant signs the
      informed consent form (day 1).

      Physical Activity The assessment of physical activity will be carried out indirectly through
      the application of the IPAQ questionnaire - reduced version. This questionnaire shall be
      completed on day 1.

      Hydration status Hydration status shall be assessed indirectly, using a urine colour scale.
      Immediately prior to the anthropometric assessment, the participant collects a portion of
      urine in a suitable container provided by the research team. In the presence of the
      participant, the urine will be graded according to its colour, after which it is discarded by
      the participant.

      Anthropometric measurements All anthropometric measurements will be obtained by
      anthropometrists with current ISAK certification, respecting the procedures described by
      ISAK, always using the same measuring instruments. The assessments will begin with the
      measurement of height and body mass, using a Seca 217 portable stadiometer and a Seca 878
      scale, respectively.
    

Intervention name(s): Caliper
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): Description of the sample adipose tissue and skinfolds using different calipers.
Observational model: Other
Time perspective: Cross-Sectional
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        The population is conformed by students of different degrees. Finally, 102 students (46
        males; 56 females) took part of the study.
      
Keywords: Fat mass; Skinfolds; Anthropometry