Skinfold measurements in children. A comparison of Lange and McGaw calipers.

Two types of calipers to measure skinfolds have been compared in adults, but the same type of comparison has not been done in a pediatric population who generally would have smaller skinfolds. Biceps and triceps skinfold measurements were made in 240 pediatric patients ranging in age from 2 weeks to 18 years. Skinfold measurements obtained with a McGaw caliper were on the average 12.6 percent lower than those obtained with a Lange caliper on the same patient. Differences between measurements by two investigators using the same caliper on the same patient averaged 20.4 percent for the Lange caliper and 17.6 percent for the McGaw caliper (root mean square differences). We conclude that McGaw and Ross plastic calipers would be an adequate substitute where cost prohibits the use of Lange calipers.