[Triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness. A random sample, Geneva 1972]

Area of Science:

• Anthropometry
• Human growth and development

Context:

• Accurate body composition assessment is vital for monitoring child and adolescent health.
• Standardized skinfold thickness measurements provide key insights into adiposity and nutritional status.

Purpose:

• To establish normative data for subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness in a large pediatric and adolescent population.
• To standardize measurement techniques for reliable anthropometric assessments.

Summary:

• Measurements of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness were taken using a Lange skinfold caliper on 2861 boys and 2692 girls (ages 4-19.5).
• Statistical analysis yielded means, standard deviations, and fitted percentiles by age and sex, presented in tables and graphs.
• Data were correlated with standing height for both sexes, offering comprehensive growth references.

Impact:

• Provides essential reference data for pediatricians, nutritionists, and researchers evaluating body composition.
• Facilitates accurate tracking of growth patterns and identification of potential health concerns related to adiposity in young individuals.