The body circumferences express the transversal dimensions of the various segments of the human body. These are anthropometric data widely used in clinical practice, so much so that their value, correctly interpreted according to the reference standards, makes it possible to evaluate numerous factors in a practical, economical and fairly reliable way, including:
the growth of an individual (head or arm circumference)
the distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue (together with the folds) and cardiovascular risk (abdominal circumference, waist / hip or waist / thigh ratio, neck circumference)
nutrition status (arm or thigh circumference)
long-line, normolinea or short-line constitution (wrist or chest circumference)
In order for the measured value to be reliable, it is very important that the operator detects the various circumferences in full compliance with anthropometric standards. The measurements, in fact, can vary considerably in relation to the different physical and postural conditions: the circumference of the arm measured with the biceps relaxed it is significantly lower than that measured with contracted muscle; the same applies to the chest circumference in conditions of rest or maximum inspiration.
The most measured circumferences, and of which we will see a brief overview, are:
the circumference of the chest,
waist circumference,
the circumference of the hips,
the circumference of the thigh,
the circumference of the calf,
the circumference of the arm,
and the circumference of the wrist.
General indications:
use a flexible but inelastic metric cord;
when measuring the limbs, always evaluate the same side of the body;
take the circumferences three times per point and consider the arithmetic mean as a real value;
the circumferences must be measured with the end of the tape measure corresponding to zero in the left hand; this end must therefore be placed over the remaining part of the cord held in the right hand;
the plane of the meter must be parallel to the floor or, more precisely, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the measured body region;
the pressure applied to the meter influences the validity and reliability of the measurement, therefore it is necessary to avoid tightening it too much or keeping it excessively loose;
some circumferences, such as those detected in the buttocks or thighs, may vary in relation to the phase of the menstrual cycle (in some women they increase in the days preceding the flow due to the appearance of edema and water retention);
Repeated measurements on a subject should always be performed with the same instrument and by the same examiner.
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