Anthropometry involves measuring the human body to assess things like body composition, edema, and limb symmetry. Key anthropometric measurements include length, circumference, width, and skinfold thickness using tools like a tape measure, calipers, and stadiometer. Examples provided include leg length discrepancy tests, Schober's test, and taking girth measurements of various body parts like waist, calf, and ankle. Anthropometric measurements can help clinicians evaluate impairments and monitor rehabilitation progress.

1. by
Ahmed Assem
Lecturer of physical therapy
Basic Science Department
) Anthropometry 1(

2. Define Anthropometery
Parameters of anthropometery
Report correctly results of anthropometric
measurements to a simulated patient
Identify other anthropometric measurements for
edema or swelling
Realize different procedures for
anthropometric measurements
Distinguish between true and apparent leg
legnth discrepency
Learning Objectives:

3. General Principles and Methods
What is anthropometry?
ANTROPO – human
 METRY - measurement
What is anthropometry? The study of human
dimensions
-The measurement of traits that describe body dimensions
or are a series of quantitative measurements of the muscle,
bone, and adipose tissue used to assess the composition of the
body.
Anthropometry

4. In physical therapy, anthropometry
may include the assessment of
-Edema Localized
--Muscular changes
-Asymmetry of body parts
-

5. Why measure?
Aids the clinician in determining the
patients impairments and Provides a
baseline to monitor the rehabilitation
outcome effective treatment .

6.  Types of Measurement Static Anthropometry
Refers to actual sizes of body components, and is
taken with the body fixed or in standard positions
 Types of Measurement Dynamic Anthropometry
Refers to the ability of the body to perform certain
tasks with certain distances, spaces or enclosure
Taken with the body in various working positions and
is related to body performance


7.  factors Affecting Anthropometry
Gender
Males have less fat tissue and more muscle bulk Fat
accumulation differs in regions for men and women
Aging
Stature decreases and body weight increases after 30 years
Body weight decreases after 50 (M), 60 (F)
Occupation
Tools
 Tape measure Voltmeter Anthropometry Caliper


8. Area of measurement:
Body Size & Structure
 Lengths
 Weight
 Girths (circumference)
 Breadths (Widths)
 Volume.
Body Composition
 BMI, W/H ratio, Skin fold thickness

9. Anthropometry tools measurement
Stadiometer (for weight & height) measurements.
Weight scales
Anthropometric tape / flexible tape
Skinfold calipers
Large sliding caliber

10. Stadiometer
A stadiometer is a piece of medical equipment used
for measuring human height. It is usually constructed
out of a ruler and a sliding horizontal headpiece
which is adjusted to rest on the top of the head

11. Weighing Scale
-is a device to measure weight or mass. These are also
known as mass scales,
-Recently, the use of electronic scales is becoming
more general because of greater the accuracy
Analogue Weighting scales
Digital

12. Anthropometric tape
Tape measurement
- measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure
size or distance.
- A flexible steel tape of at least 1.5 m in length is
recommended for girths.
Uses of tapes:
1.assessing girth measurements,
2.accurately locate skinfold sites
3.mark distances from bony
landmarks

13. - Types Tape measurement
-Long measurement
-Leg length discrepancy (LLD)
-Schober test
-Segmental Leg Length Measurement
-Round measurement or Girth Measurement
-Muscle Bulk Measurement
- Limb Girth Measurement

14. Leg length discrepancy (LLD)
Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is an orthopedic
problem that usually appears in childhood, in
which a child’s two legs are of unequal lengths.
A leg length discrepancy may be caused by or
associated with a number of other orthopedic or
medical conditions, but is generally treated in a
similar way, regardless of cause and depending
on severity.

15. Examination and Outcome Measures
 The most accurate method to identify leg (limb)
length inequality (discrepancy) is through
radiography. It’s also the best way to
differentiate an anatomical from a functional
limb length inequality.

16. Classification of Leg Length Discrepancy
Anatomical
structural limb length inequality. It’s a physical
(osseous) shortening of one lower limb between
the trochanter femoral major and the ankle
mortise.
Functional LLD
non-structural shortening. It is a unilateral asymmetry
of the lower extremity without any shortening of the
osseous components of the lower limb

17. Etiological Factors
-True LLD
•Idiopathic developmental abnormalities
•Fracture
•Trauma to the epiphyseal endplate prior to skeletal
maturity
•Degenerative disorders
• Cancer or neoplastic changes
-Functional LLD
•Shortening of soft tissues
•Joint contractures
•Ligamentous laxity

18. Leg length test:
Aim of the test: Identifies true leg length discrepancy.
 1-True leg length discpancy
Patient position:
 Patient supine and pelvis is balanced aligned with lower limbs
 and trunk. Measure distance from ASlS to medial malleolus on
 each limb several times for consistency and compare results.

19.  Positive sign:
 A difference in lengths between two limbs is noted identifying a
true leg length discrepancy.
-To determine in short order where the discrepancy lies
(whether in the tibia or femur)
Anterior view
 ask patient to lie supine with his knee flexed 90 degree
and his feet on the table. If one knee appears higher
than the other , the tibia of that extremity is longer.

20. Lateral view
 If one knee project further anteriorly than the other
the femur of that extremity is longer. True shortening
may be the result of poliomyelitis or of fracture that
crossed the epiphyseal plate during childhood.
Anterior view

21. aaa
Anterior view Lateral view

23. 2-Apparent leg length discrepancy
 There is no true leg length discrepancy before testing for an
apparent leg discrepancy in which there is no true bony
inequality.
 apparent shortening may stem from the pelvic obliquity or from
adduction or flexion deformity in the hip joint . During
inspection pelvic obliquity manifests it self as uneven anterior
or posterior superior iliac spine while patient standing

24. Patient position:
Patient supine with his leg in neutral position.
Measure distance from umbilicus to medial malleolus(
from non fixed point to fixed bony point) on each limb
several times for consistency and compare results. un
equal distance signify an apparent leg length
discrepancy.

25. B-Apparent leg length
discrepancy
A-True leg length
discrepancy
A-Apparent leg length
discrepancy

26. True leg length discrepancy

27. 2-Schober test:
 Aim of the test:
It is used to determine if is a decrease in lumber
spine range of motion(flexion), most commonly
as a result of ankylosing spondylitis.

28. Patient position:
• Patient is standing, examiner marks the L5 spinous
process (at level of iliac crest) by drawing a horizontal
line across the patients back.
• A second line is marked 10 cm above the first line.
• Patient is then instructed to flex forward as if
attempting to touch his/her toes, examiner
remeasures distance between two lines with patient
fully flexed.
• The difference between the measurements in erect and flexion
positions indicates the outcome of the lumbar flexion

29.  Modified Schober Test:
(makes sure that the entire lumbar spine was included),
 Patient is standing, examiner
marks both posterior superior
iliac spine (PSIS)(at level s2) and
then draws a horizontal line
at the center of both marks
 A second line is marked 5 cm
below the first line.
 A third line is marked 10 cm
above the first line.
 Patient is then instructed to flex
forward as if attempting to touch his/her toes, examiner
remeasures distance between the top and bottom line.

30.  Positive test:
 Less than 5cm increase in length with forward flexion, decrease
lumber spine range of motion, may be due to Ankylosing spondylitis,
pain, congenital anomalies or segmental Fusion.
Modified Schober Test: Schober Test:

31. Modified Schober Test

32. 3-Segmental Leg Length Measurement
Using the Tape Measure in centimeters
Lie the tape measure flat on the body part
The tape measure should be stretched out and not slack
When measuring circumference, surround the body part
without undue constricting pressure
1-Segmental Leg Length Measurement
Landmark:
to determine the site of occurrence of shortening
highest point of the iliac crest to greater trochanter for changes in neck shaft
angle
greater trochanter to lateral knee joint line for femoral shaft length
medial knee joint line to medial malleolus for tibial length

33. 2-Round measurements or Girth Measurement
Girths are circumference measures at standard
anatomical sites around the body. It is measured
with a tape and can be used in determining body
size, composition and to monitor changes in
these parameters.

34.  Advantages
 Relatively accurate.
 The calculations can easily be performed.
 Low costs involved in the testing procedure
 For many sites the measurement can be self administered.
Disadvantages
 It does not work well on lean individuals
 Some individuals may not feel comfortable.

35.  Pre-Test
 Explain the procedures, Prepare forms and record
basic information such as age, height, body
weight, gender.
 Procedure
 The site to be measured has to be marked . When
recording, make sure the tape is not too tight or
too loose. It must be flat on the skin, and
horizontal.
 Reliability
 It depends on the tester, tension on the tape, and
correct land marking

36. Measurement of head circumference
Indications: Hydrocephalus & Microcephalus

37.  Neck Girth
Tape is located perpendicular to the long axis of the neck
superior to larynx.

38. Measurement of chest circumference
 Chest should be bare. The subject must stand in
normal erect posture. The measurement is taken from
under the axilla and around the chest, passing by
xyphoid process:
 Just below the axillary fold.
 At the level of nipple.
 At xyphoid process
)at level lower part of sternum)

39. Measurement of Waist )Girth( circumference
Measurement is taken from the narrowest part of the
torso that is halfway between the 12th rib and the iliac
crest. The subject should stand comfortably erect with
hands by the side and must not be contracting any
muscles.
 Abdominal Girth
 It is the perimeter distance around the torso at the level of
umbilicus. Abdominal muscles should not be contracted.
Abdominal Girth Waist )Girth(

40.  Gluteal Girth
 Subject stands with minimal clothing, with feet together
and no intentional muscle contraction.
 Tape is placed compressing overlying clothing but not the
soft tissue. It is the perimeter at level of greater
posterior protuberance of gluteals. It is also known
as buttock or hip circumference.

41. Measurement of waist hip ratio
The Waist-to-hip Ratio (WHR) looks at the proportion of fat
stored on your body around your waist and hip. It is a simple
but useful measure of fat distribution. The Waist Hip Ratio is
calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your hip
measurement, since the hips are the widest part of your
buttocks.
The formula is: WHR= waist circumference / hip circumference.
waist circumference :at the narrowest part of waist
hip circumference: at the widest part of hip

42. upper Limb Girth
Measurement of upper arm circumference
Midpoint of the distance from the acromion process
of the shoulder to the tip of the olecranon process of
the mid-elbow. First, the upper arm length is measured
using bone landmarks, and the midpoint distance is
marked for the circumference measurement.

43. Measurement of lower arm circumference
Measurement of lower arm length
estimate height using length of forearm ‐ ULNA
LENGTH.
Midpoint of the distance from the olecranon process of
the elbow to mid point of the prominent bone of the wrist
(styloid process)

44. Wrist Girth
Wrist Girth measurement is a circumference measure
around the wrist a point just distal to the styloid
processes.

45. Lower Limb Girth
Measurement of Thigh circumference
 Thigh circumference
 Measure the largest part of the thigh at the top.
 Proximal or Upper Thigh Girth: About 1cm below the
gluteal fold and horizontal to the long axis of femur.
 Mid Thigh: Measurement is taken from inguinal crease to
the proximal border of patella.
 Distal Thigh: It is measured from just proximal to femoral
condyles.

46. Limb Girth Measurement: indication
-Edema , swelling and Muscle Bulk Measurement
Muscle Bulk Measurement
Indications conditions where a decrease (or increase)
in muscle bulk is expected
Atrophy (SCI, fractures)
Hypertrophy (Duchene Muscular dystrophy
Position Supine or sitting provided that the segment
be assessed is well supported Note:
-If the affectation is unilateral, measure the uninvolved
extremity prior to measuring the affected part. The
muscles should be at rest when muscle bulk is measured

47. Measurement of circumference of the knee
Muscle Bulk Measurement:
at the maximal diameter of the muscle
Swelling around the knee joint
- at middle of patella
-below the patella 5cm
-above the patella 5cm
Muscle atrophy:
Above the patella 10cm
Above the patella 15cm
Above the patella 20cm
Above the patella 25cm

48. Measurement of circumference of Calf or Girth
purpose: To measure the circumference of the calf, as a measure
of the underlying musculature and adipose tissue.
Girth measurements combined with skinfold measurements can
give a clearer picture of changes in tissue composition and
distribution of muscle and fat.
The measurement is taken at the level of the largest
circumference of the calf.
advantages: low costs involved in the testing procedure, and ease
of self testing

49.  Measurement of ankle circumference
 Ankle circumference
 Measure the ankle in the smallest part of the ankle,
just above the ankle bone.
 Foot Girth
 Arch circumference is the length from a point on top of
the foot, down around and over the highest point in
the foot arch, and back to the same point on the top of
the foot.

50.  than