One of the most widely used and inexpensive methods for obtaining information concerning the amount and distribution of human subcutaneous fat is the measurement of skinfolds. The skinfold measurement technique requires long-term supervised practice and repetition to obtain reliable results and there are few practical methods for standardizing measures taken by anthropometrists. Two studies, developed methodology to standardize skinfold measurements. We compared data of a reliability study, using the two methods previously discussed, with intraclass correlation coefficient calculations based on an ANOVA mixed model in order to assess two technicians measuring three skinfolds. The technicians tested were considered reliable only when using intraclass correlation coefficients. The intraclass correlation coefficient appears to be a better choice for the standardization of skinfold measurements, since it is not influenced by measurements with greater discrepancies such as those for obese individuals.
Technology reliability; Skinfold; Intraclass correlation coefficient
