Wrist Girth Measurement
Girths are circumference measures at standard anatomical sites around the body. The Wrist Girth measurement is a circumference measure around the wrist a point just distal to the styloid processes. See the list of girth measurement locations.
purpose: to measure the circumference of the wrist, 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: This girth measurement is usually taken on the right arm, at a point just distal (away from the body) to the styloid processes. This is usually the minimum circumference in this region, though the tape should be moved around to make sure you have recorded the minimum girth measurement. When recording,
you need to make sure the tape is not too tight or too loose, and
is lying flat on the skin.
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.
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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