The Use of Skinfold Analysis in Determining a Wrestler's Minimal Weight

Alan C. Utter Ph.D., M.P.H., FACSM

Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Appalachian State University

Throughout the next few issues of Wrestling U.S.A I would like to review with you some of the more common field techniques used to assess body composition. Although there are many techniques and gadgets available to measure body fat, I will focus my discussion on four  different methods that are the most widely used within the wrestling population. The four methods are as follows: skinfold analysis, bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic weighing i.e. (underwater weighing), and air displacement.  In making your decision as to which method to employ you must consider the following 3 components: 1) cost   2) ease of use and 3) accuracy. It is worth mentioning that the NCAA has currently approved hydrostatic weighing and skinfold analysis as the only two acceptable methods for body composition assessment within the NCAA's weight certification program. Recently various state high-school athletic associations have also approved bioelectrical impedance and air displacement as appropriate methods to measure body fat. 

 All personnel conducting the body composition assessment should have advanced training and education in whichever method is being employed. It is very likely that there will be times when professional judgement may be necessary to clarify and validate the assessment process, therefore the greater the depth of knowledge the person conducting the body composition assessment has will assist in providing a safe and healthy minimal wrestling weight for the individual wrestler. As I have mentioned in the previous issue, prior to the body composition and weight assessment it is required to test the wrestler to ensure that they are properly hydrated. In order to obtain an accurate body composition the wrestler must be in a hydrated state. I will discuss hydration assessment in wrestlers in an upcoming issue.

            One of the most widely used and practical method for assessing body composition is through measuring the thickness of skinfolds. Skinfold measures assume that there is a direct relationship between subcutaneous fat (fat lying beneath the skin) and overall body fatness. Skinfold measures have several advantages: the necessary equipment is inexpensive (average cost $150.00) and needs little space (Fig. 1), measures can be obtained quickly and easily, and when performed correctly are a reliable and valid predictor of percent fat within the wrestling population. Skinfold measures have long been considered to have moderate accuracy in estimating body composition when administered by a trained individual.

The key to success in skinfold measurement is standardization of both skinfold site locations and measurement techniques.

Site Selection:

The skinfold measures will be taken at the following sites TRICEPS, SUBSCAPULAR, AND ABDOMINAL. These sites have been chosen because they have been validated for use with wrestlers and are currently being used in the NCAA weight management program.

Triceps: Skinfold should be measured vertically in the midline of the posterior aspect of the upper arm, middway between the lateral acromion process of the scapula (bump on backside of the shoulder) and the inferior margin of the olecranon process of the ulna (the elbow). Flex elbow to 90 degrees to identify the landmarks. (see Fig. #2)

Subscapular: This skinfold is a diagonal fold just below the inferior angle of the scapular toward the right side of the body. To locate the site the measurer should feel for the bottom of the scapular. In some cases, it helps to place the arm of the person being measured behind his or her back. (see Fig. #3)

Abdominal: The skinfold should be raised vertically on the right side of the naval i.e.(belly button)  about 1 inch away. (see Fig. #4)

Measurement guidelines:

1. Place caliper in right hand, raise the skinfold with thumb and index finger.

2. The thicker the fat layer under the skin, the wider the necessary skin fold will be.

3. Place the caliper head one quarter to one half an inch from your finger holding the skinfold..

4. Read the dial approximately 2-4 seconds after applying caliper heads to skin.

5. Take three measurements at each site rotating through the triceps, subscapular, and abdomen.

Once the skinfold measurements have been taken, they can be easily and quickly entered into the National Wrestling Coaches Association's automated internet weight certification calculator at www.nwcaonline.com for the calculation of a safe and healthy minimal wrestling weight. If you would like more information on skinfold analysis or would like to schedule a training seminar on skinfold measurement techniques please contact the National Wrestling Coaches Association at 717-653-8009.

Questions or concerns on the enclosed article:

Dr. Alan C. Utter

email:utterac@appstate.edu

phone: 828-262-3094