Join SDA

Anthropometry

There are two elements to body composition assessments: the technical capability of undertaking accurate measurements and the safety of the athlete.

The ISAK accreditation is the recognised qualification for anthropometry assessments. Sports Dietitians Australia schedules courses from time to time on an as needed basis.

Courses not run by SDA can be found here: https://www.isak.global/

There are resources available to support you to ensure that any physique assessments you undertake are done safely for the athlete, including appropriate language or messaging and management of the results.

 SDA Physique Assessment Modules – developed and presented by SDA Fellow Liz Broad, who is one of only a few Level 4 ISAK instructors in Australia.  These modules will give you valuable insights of how to safely undertake physique assessments beyond the technical ‘how to’.  Available for purchase here.

 Equipment Requirements

Working out what and where to buy your anthropometric equipment can be a challenge. This page is designed to help make this task easier for you. The specifications listed below for each type of equipment are in accordance with the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) standards. There are particular brands mentioned, but as long as what you buy fits these specifications, you can choose a brand that suits your needs and budget. Note below prices were current as of August 2024.

 Equipment needed for the measurement of a Restricted Profile:

 Weighing scales

Measures body mass. Equipment specifications:

  • Balance beam or electronic (load cell)
  • Range 150 kg
  • Accuracy 100 g (model below is to 50g)

For example: A & D Weighing UC-321 Precision scale $300. Available from HMG Direct or A & D Weighing directly.

 Anthropometric tape

Measures girths. Equipment specifications:

  • No wider than 7mm
  • Stub > 4 cm long
  • Flexible steel, automatic retraction
  • Range>1.5 m long, accuracy 1 mm

For example: Lufkin Tape (Executive thinline 2m W606PM) – available from Total Tools stores for ~$54. Alternatively, anthropometric tapes can be purchased online via HMG Direct or The Anthropometry Lab.

 Stadiometer

Measures stretch stature and sitting height. Equipment specifications:

  • Wall mounted to ensure subjects aligned vertically
  • Sliding headboard >6 cm wide
  • Locking device
  • Range 60-200 cm (Telescopic metal height goes to 230cm)
  • Accuracy 1 mm

For example: Seca 213 Portable Stadiometer from $330. Available from HMG Direct.

 Skinfold calipers

Measures skinfolds. Equipment specifications:

  • Two springs to apply closing force
  • Constant closing compression 10 g.mm-2
  • Jaw surface area of 90 mm2
  • Upper jaw fixed, pivot point, lower moveable jaw
  • Dial gauge
  • Range 80 mm (Harpenden) – 85 mm (Slim Guide)
  • Accuracy 0.1 mm (Harpenden) – 0.5 mm (Slim Guide)

For example: Harpenden Skinfold Calipers from $550 (shown left); Slim Guide Skinfold Calipers from $50 (shown right).  Available from HMG Direct and The Anthropometry Lab.

 Small bone anthropometer

Measures bone breadths. Equipment specifications:

  • Rigid metal or plastic ABS scale with branches to allow large pressure application
  • Branch length ~ 10 cm
  • Application face 1.5 cm
  • Range 20 cm
  • Accuracy 0.5 mm

For example: Holway small bone anthropometer from $400; The Anthropometry Lab (SmartMet plastic ABS) from $65

 Equipment needed for the measurement of a Full Profile (in addition to the above):

 Large bone anthropometer

Measures segment lengths, large bone breadths, width and depth. Equipment specifications:

  • Rigid metal scale with branches to allow large pressure application
  • Branch length ~ 25+ cm
  • Application face narrow
  • Range 100 cm+
  • Accuracy 1mm

For example: Holway large bone anthropometer from HMG Direct $500

 Segmometer

Measures segment lengths. Equipment specifications:

  • Rigid metal scale with branches
  • Branch length ~ 7-8 cm
  • Application face narrow
  • Wide tape (15 mm)
  • Range ~ 1 m
  • Accuracy 0.5 mm

For example: Cescorf Segmometer from HMG Direct $225

 Arm Span Segmometer

Measures arm span (some may include branches to measure segments). Equipment specifications:

  • Rigid metal scale
  • Wide tape (15 mm)
  • Accuracy 0.5 mm

For example: The Anthropometry Lab from ~$225

 Anthropometric box

Equipment specifications:

  • Dimensions 40 or 50 x 50 x 30 cm
  • Cut out section 1 side
  • Of value in Iliospinale and trochanterion measurements, seated measurements and standing measurements for smaller subjects

Boxes need to be custom made. Holway models can be pre-ordered through HMG Direct.

 

Anthropometry Kits

Basic anthropometric kits have been developed to accommodate the needs for undertaking the ISAK restricted profile and include an anthropometric tape, Slim Guide caliper and small bone anthropometer in a convenient carry-on case. These can be ordered online through Rosscraft $941 (USD), HMG Direct ($800) or The Anthropometry Lab ($150)

Professional anthropometric kits contain everything you need for a full profile, including Slim Guide skinfold calipers, anthropometric tape, segmometer, small bone anthropometer, large bone anthropometer and headboard in a convenient, padded and secure carry-on case. These can be ordered online through Rosscraft $3,501 (USD) or HMG Direct.

Contact Details

A & D Weighing  http://www.andmercury.com.au/Index.asp

HMG Direct: https://www.hmgdirect.com.au

Rosscraft Canada http://www.rosscraft.ca

Links to reputable physique assessment companies

For those looking to outsource physique assessment of their clients using techniques including Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), Air Displacement Plethysmography (BOD POD) and/or bioelectrical impedance, these services are available commercially across Australia. Details on companies offering these services are specified below.

Engaging an external service provider for the physique assessment of your clients is not something that should be considered without due care and thought, given results will likely reflect the effectiveness of your dietary interventions. With this in mind, special consideration should be given to measurement error or the inherit noise of a test. This can be further broken down into technical and biological error. While technical issues may be out of your control, the group you outsource assessments should be able to clearly describe their quality control procedures to assist in minimising technical error. Advice should also be provided to clients in advance of assessments so as to minimise biological error. The following guidance is recommended for clients in advance of assessments for DEXA, BOD POD and BIA.

DEXA

DEXA is available at many imaging centres, but few recognise the nuances associated with the use of DEXA for body composition assessment. The businesses identified below focus on the use of DEXA for body composition assessment:

QLD

NSW

VIC

SA

WA

 BOD POD

BIA

We’re grateful to Dr Gary Slater (Advanced Sports Dietitian), Ava Kerr (Manager, Health Sport & Exercise Facilities, Technical Services, University of the Sunshine Coast) and Lilia Convit (ISAK Level 3 Anthropometrist) for sharing their expertise in this area.

Updated August 2024.