Head Girth
Girths are circumference measures at standard anatomical sites around the body. The head girth measurement is a measure of the circumference around the head at the level immediately above the brow. See the list of girth measurement locations.
purpose: to measure the circumference of the head, as one of the many measurements of body size.
equipment required: flexible metal tape measure and pen suitable for marking the skin. If a plastic or cloth tape is used, it should be checked regularly against a metal tape as they may stretch over time.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The subject may stand or sit for this measurement. The head circumference measurement is taken at the level immediately above the brow. When recording,
you need to make sure the tape compresses the hair and is kept horizontal. Also make sure there are no ties or clips in the hair, and that the ears are not included.
reliability: Factors that may affect reliability include changes to the testing personnel, constant and even tension on the tape, and correct landmarking (finding the correct anatomical site for measurement).
advantages: low costs involved in the testing procedure, and ease of self testing
comments: Girth measurements combined with skinfold measurements can give a clearer picture of changes in tissue composition and distribution of muscle and fat.
Similar Tests
Related Pages
- General description of taking girth measurements, and links to other girth measures
- A discussion about Body Size Testing
- Using MyoTape for girth measurement.
- Other anthropometric tests
- Videos of Anthropometric Tests
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