Skinfold Measurement often differ between day and night due to the intake of water and human activity. Regardless, there is alot more reasons why skinfold measurement often differ. To maintain the accuracy of the result, we should take a look at these factors.
How to Measure Skinfold Correctly?
Skinfold Caliper is the tools we all need to measure the precentage of Skinfold. There are two types of Skinfold Caliper. Namely, Harpenden Skinfold Caliper and Slim Guard Caliper. For athletes, this serves to determine the type of exercise needed or to establish categories in competitions. Meanwhile, for the elderly, monitoring body fat is important to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks.
Here’s how you use Skinfold Caliper correctly :
- You just need to determine the desired point for measuring the fat fold.
- Then, pinch the skinfold 1cm away and perpendicular.
- Read the measurement after 2-3 seconds.
- Repeat up to 3 times with a maximum difference of 1mm.
- Calculate the average of each result obtained
Read More : How Exactly Skinfold Caliper Works?
Then, Why Skinfold Measurement Often Differ Between Day and Night?
Before delving into the reasons behind different measurement results, let’s learn about the process of fat distribution.
Fat distribution in various body parts is due to the process of fat breakdown (lipolysis). This process is stimulated by the hormone cortisol (to regulate fat, protein, and carbohydrates). Changes in cortisol hormone levels are regulated by the circadian rhythm, which primarily regulates metabolism and energy.
The amount of water and calories also influences different body fat measurement results in the morning and evening. Additionally, physical activity, especially exercise, can also contribute to differences in body fat measurement results.
How to Use Skinfold Caliper Correctly?
To avoid errors in reading results, follow these general suggestions before measuring body fat:
- Avoid measuring body fat immediately after light exercise or intense physical activity.
- Fluid loss (mild dehydration) causes fluids to exit through the tissues beneath the skin, reducing the thickness of skinfolds.
- Ensure the measured area of the body is free from moisturizer or lotion.
- It’s difficult to grasp skin folds when the skin is moist.
- Read the results directly at the cursor indicating the value, not from the side.
- Perform measurements in the morning. If you measured at 09:00, do the measurements or repetitions around 09:00. This is because body hydration varies throughout the day depending on environmental conditions and water intake.
Use A Calibrated Skinfold Caliper for Maximum Result
The Skinfold Caliper comes in two types: the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper and the Slim Guide Caliper. Both serve the same function. The difference lies only in the material used for the instrument. The Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is made of stainless steel and aluminum with the highest grade.
On the other hand, the Slim Guide Skinfold Caliper is made of plastic, which is easier to use due to its lightweight material. Nevertheless, both are portable measuring instruments that can be taken anywhere.
Get The Best Skinfold Measurement!
PT. Solo Abadi Indonesia fully supports the Indonesian Government in creating innovation and deepening ergonomic research and its application in daily life. As a private sector, we are always open to collaborating on ergonomic and anthropometric research to support a good ergonomic ecosystem in Indonesia and globally.
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