Course overview
The aim of this course is to compare and evaluate different methods of assessing body composition with a particular focus on surface measurements widely used in the spheres of public health and sport.
Theoretical components: a comparison of methods of assessing body composition; quantifying measurement error using technical error of measurement; somatotyping; scaling body size to permit comparisons between individuals; the application of anthropometry to sport; the relationship between anthropometric variables and physical and psychological health. Practical components: location of measurement sites; measurement of skinfolds, girths, limb lengths and bone breadths; calibration and care of equipment; introduction to various instruments for assessing body image; issues associated with anthropometric measurement.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse issues (eg gender, culture, body image) associated with taking anthropometric measures on children and adults.
- Demonstrate practical anthropometric skills to the standard of Level 2 of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry.
- Describe and evaluate the applications of anthropometry to the contexts of sport, physical and psychological health.
- Describe limitations of anthropometry.
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