Nikki Brown

http://www.isakonline.com/

Errors in Anthropometry
Errors in anthropometry can affect: Precision Accuracy Validity

3 major sources of error are significant: 1. Measurement error 2. Alterations in composition and physical properties of certain tissues 3. Use of invalid assumptions in derivation of BC from anthropometric measures

Measurement Error
Random Error limit precision or extent to which repeat measures give same value Can derive from examiner error:
Inadequate training Instrument error Difficulties in making measurement

Approaches to minimise random error:

Training Standardised techniques Using precise, correctly calibrated instruments

Measurement Error
Systematic Error affect accuracy or degree to which measurement depart from true values Most common form results from equipment bias Example: 2 people take SF measure on same person but use different calipers with different compressions Timing of measures Example: ST growth study progressive decrease in height though day compromise accuracy Anthropometric measurement never known with absolute certainty

Precision
We can also establish precision (and accuracy) of measurement technique prior to use Poor precision reflects: Within-examiner error Between-examiner error surveys with multiple examiners? How do we assess precision? Technical Error Measurement (TEM) % Technical error (%TEM) Coefficient of reliability

TEM
Gives error margin of a trait and is therefore an accuracy index Inter-tester or Intra-tester
Where D is the difference between the 2 measurements, and N is the sample size

Relative TEM (%TEM)

Provides estimation of error magnitude relative to size of the measure

TEM

Where D is the difference between the 2 measurements, and N is the sample size

Relative TEM (%)

Task Intra TEM

Results of bicep skinfold taken by same anthropometrist in 5

subjects
Subject 1 1st measurement 2nd measurement 7.0 9.2 Subject2 9.3 8.8 Subject 3 6.0 6.2 Subject 4 13.6 12.4 Subject 5 11.2 10.0

Using the sheet provided calculate: Intra technical error of measurement Relative TEM (%)

Task Inter TEM

Results of abdominal skinfold taken by two different

antrhopometrists in 5 subjects
Subject 1 1st measurer 2nd measurer 16.0 18.2 Subject2 14.6 20.8 Subject 3 15.0 12.8 Subject 4 14.0 14.4 Subject 5 22.6 16.8

Using the sheet provided calculate: Inter technical error of measurement Relative TEM (%)

Interpretation and Application of TEMs

Example 1: An athlete is measured and is found to have a triceps skinfold of 9.3mm. The anthropometrists TEM is 0.33mm. What are the confidence limits for that athlete?
In general the TEM is the standard error of a single measure. An approximate 68% confidence interval (1SE) for the true

value will be from: [9.3 0.33] to [9.3 + 0.33] i.e. from 9.0mm to 9.6mm] An approximate 95% confidence interval (2SE) for the true value will be from: [9.3 2(0.33)] to [9.3 + 2(0.33)] i.e. from 8.6mm to 10.0mm

Interpretation and Application of TEMs

Example 2: An elite gymnast has her 7 skinfolds measured two weeks apart to monitor her body composition (38mm and 41mm). The anthropometrist obtained a TEM of 2.9mm. The coach is keen for all gymnasts 7 to be below 40mm. Having observed 41mm at the 2nd time of measurement can the coach conclude that the true value of 7 exceeded 41mm at the time of the measurement?
An approximate 95% confidence interval (2SE) for the true value will be

from: [-41 2(0.29)] to [41 + 2(0.29)] i.e. from 35 mm to 47 mm]

Since 40 is within the interval it would be concluded (at the 2.5%

significance level) that the true value did not exceed 40mm.
Sig is 2.5%, rather than 5% because the test carries out is one-sided

Summary
All body composition techniques have limitations Anthropometric measurement never known with absolute certainty In order to use anthropometric data effectively must be aware of measurement error Inter-tester Intra-tester Relative TEM (%)