Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Intraobserver error associated with anthropometric measurements made by dietitians
M Arroyo1, M Freire, L Ansotegui
1Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria, Spain.
Nutricion Hospitalaria
|April 27, 2011
Summary
Dietitians demonstrated high precision in anthropometric measurements like skinfolds and arm circumference. Regular training is recommended to maintain and minimize measurement errors for accurate health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Anthropometry
- Health Professional Performance
Background:
- Dietitians are crucial for anthropometric assessment.
- Measurement error data from dietitians is scarce.
- Understanding measurement error is key for reliable data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify intraobserver precision in anthropometric measurements by dietitians.
- To assess the reliability of upper arm circumference, triceps, and biceps skinfold measurements.
- To provide data on measurement error in dietetic practice.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six dietitians performed duplicate measurements on ten volunteers.
- Measurements included upper arm circumference and skinfolds (triceps, biceps).
- Calculated Technical Error of Measurement (TEM), relative TEM (rTEM), reliability coefficient (R), and coefficient of variation (CV).
Main Results:
- Relative technical error of measurement (rTEM) for skinfolds was < 2.2%, and for circumference was < 0.6%.
- Measurement precision for skinfolds was lower than for circumference.
- All measurements exhibited high reliability (R > 95%).
Conclusions:
- The evaluated anthropometric parameters show sufficient precision when measured by dietitians.
- Periodic training is essential for dietitians to control and minimize anthropometric measurement errors.
- Ensuring precision in anthropometric measurements is vital for accurate nutritional assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Random and Systematic Errors
Scientists always try their best to record measurements with the utmost accuracy and precision. However, sometimes errors do occur. These errors can be random or systematic. Random errors are observed due to the inconsistency or fluctuation in the measurement process, or variations in the quantity itself that is being measured. Such errors fluctuate from being greater than or less than the true value in repeated measurements. Consider a scientist measuring the length of an earthworm using a...
03:37Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Scientists typically make repeated measurements of a quantity to ensure the quality of their findings and to evaluate both the precision and the accuracy of their results. Measurements are said to be precise if they yield very similar results when repeated in the same manner. A measurement is considered accurate if it yields a result that is very close to the true or the accepted value. Precise values agree with each other; accurate values agree with a true value.
01:15Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
In the case of systematic errors, the sources can be identified, and the errors can be subsequently minimized by addressing these sources. According to the source, systematic errors can be divided into sampling, instrumental, methodological, and personal errors.
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
01:25Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial clinical procedure in diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions. Despite its significance, the accuracy of blood pressure measurements can be compromised by multiple factors, potentially leading to either falsely high or low readings. These inaccuracies are critical as they can significantly impact patient care. So, it is vital to understand these challenges deeply and adopt strategic approaches to minimize errors.
Several factors...
Several factors...
01:12Types of Errors: Detection and Minimization
Error is the deviation of the obtained result from the true, expected value or the estimated central value. Errors are expressed in absolute or relative terms.
Absolute error in a measurement is the numerical difference from the true or central value. Relative error is the ratio between absolute error and the true or central value, expressed as a percentage.
Errors can be classified by source, magnitude, and sign. There are three types of errors: systematic, random, and gross.
Systematic or...
Absolute error in a measurement is the numerical difference from the true or central value. Relative error is the ratio between absolute error and the true or central value, expressed as a percentage.
Errors can be classified by source, magnitude, and sign. There are three types of errors: systematic, random, and gross.
Systematic or...
01:19Errors and Mistakes in Surveying
Errors and mistakes in surveying refer to inaccuracies in measurements and data recording. The errors are deviations from the actual value caused by human sensory limitations, equipment flaws, or environmental effects. These errors are typically unintentional and can result from the inherent imperfections in the instruments used, atmospheric conditions, or the observer’s inability to perceive exact measurements. On the other hand, mistakes are caused by the surveyor's lack of attention,...