Estimation of subcutaneous fat in men – Part 2: Comparison of caliper and ultrasound measuring.

Busse M, Dräger M, Schätzel M, Thomas M, Schulze A, Falz R

Institute of Sports Medicine, University of Leipzig1 (Director: Prof. M. Busse, MD)

Summary

Busse M, Dräger M, Schätzel M, Thomas M, Schulze A, Falz R. Estimation of subcutaneous fat in men – Part 2: Comparison of caliper and ultrasound measuring. Clinical Sports Medicine International (CSMI) 2013, 6(1): 21-23.

Objective: 1. To measure whole body subcutaneous fat in men. 2. To compare caliper and ultrasound measuring.

Materials and methods: In 25 men, aged 23 to 75 (46±14) years, total body subcutaneous fat (“WBSF”) was measured using a skin fold calliper and an ultrasound measuring equipment. In each person, 116 square sectors with a mean area of 10 square cm were marked on the skin. Subcutaneous fat of each square sector was repeatedly measured using a calliper. The method in detail is described elsewhere.

Results: Mean body weight of the subjects was 88 ± 15 kg. Whole body subcutaneous fat was 9,11 ± 4,03 kg (10.4% of whole body mass). The variance of measurements was -2.4 kg to + 2.5 kg. Referred to a significance level of 5% only 3 of 25 pairs of variates exceeded a deviation of more than -1.95 kg to + 1.87 kg.

Conclusion: In 25 men subcutaneous fat was estimated using a calliper vs. an ultrasound method. No substantial differences were found between these measurements. This indicates that subcutaneous calipometry may be done using one or the other method, prerequisite no extremely thin or thick subcutaneous layer is present.

Keywords: subcutaneous fat, calipometry, ultrasound