The importance of site location for girth measurements.

The main aim of this study was to assess the effect of site location on various girth measurements by using a novel method of three-dimensional whole-body scanning. We also wished to identify interactions between distances from the criterion site (site variants), sex, and body mass index (BMI) categories. Two hundred participants were analysed across the sexes and all BMI categories. Girth measurements were extracted 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm distal and proximal to the criterion site. The criterion site was identified by an ISAK-accredited (Level 2) anthropometrist. Error was quantified using the technical error of measurement (TEM). A limit of TEM < or = 1.0% was applied when determining the practical significance of this error at each site location. Analysis of variance was used to determine the interaction effects between site variants, sex, and BMI categories. Post hoc analysis was completed using t-tests with sequential Bonferroni correction to identify where the significant differences occurred. We found that site location error can have a significant impact on various girth measurements. The magnitude of this error varies according to the girth measurement being taken, sex, and BMI. Special care should be applied when measuring girths on females, especially waist girths on lean females.