Measurement of Body Segments

Measurements

Q1: Research the International Society for Advanced Kinanthropometry (ISAK).

a) Discuss the origin and fundamental principles of the organization.

In 1986, the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) was founded in Scotland. The stated mission of the society is to create an international network of professionals who work together to further the field of kinanthropometry on a global scale (“Welcome to ISAK”, n.d.). As a result, this group coordinated to develop a set of international standards for anthropometric assessment, as well as international accreditation schemes to ensure uniformity in all measurements (“Welcome to ISAK”, n.d.)

b) When and where are the training sessions for certification? List.

ISAK accredited training courses are run continuously all over the world. During the month of March, the following courses are being offered:

(Table omitted for preview. Available via download)

c) Why is ISAK important to the success of anthropometric research? Discuss.

ISAK is important to the success of anthropometric research because it brings uniformity to science across the world. In order to accurately interpret measurements used in the science of Kinanthropometry, those measurements need to be exact, and limits for any deviations need to be defined. ISAK has established and maintains an accreditation process, which guarantees that the study and measurement of human body composition is carried out the same way, regardless of location (“Welcome to ISAK”, n.d.). As such, the findings would be transferrable to anyone else, anywhere else in the world.

Q2: Research and identify reasons or rationale for collecting the data points in this lab.

a) Make a table listing the measurements and the reasons/rationale (for what the data can be used).

(Table omitted for preview. Available via download)

The data obtained from these measurements useful in the initial identification and on-going monitoring of a person’s body size, including their structure (girth, length, and width) and body composition (fat versus muscle mass) (‘Anthropometric Test”, n.d.). This is particularly important for athletes' muscle development in some sports, where size is a determining factor in both performance and ongoing success.

b) Consider your future profession. Identify and discuss how this type of measurement could be incorporated into your practice.

My future profession is an Outdoor Recreation Guide, teaching people to live a healthy lifestyle through outdoor activities including rafting, kayaking, and caving. These types of measurements would be particularly important for someone in my field as I teach individuals, and also help them to select the proper equipment for their sport. For example, a recent study on sea kayakers concluded that there is a direct link between the anthropometric measurements of experienced sea kayakers and the dimensions of their equipment (Clegg, 2013). Measurements would be a determining factor in selecting the proper boat and paddle width and length for optimal performance.

Q3: Review the data of your 5 team members.

a) Do you see any relationships between segments?

(For example, the relationship among biacromial, biepicondylar humerus and femur measurements). Identify the relationship and discuss it.

The most important relationship between the segments is proportionality. As shoulder width increases (biacromial), the relative length of the extremities generally increases in proportion, resulting in longer humerus and femur measurements.

b) What other anthropometric measurements could be used to complement segment measures? List and discuss.

(Measurements omitted for preview. Available via download)

Conclusion/Summary:

Kinanthropometry and anthropometric measurements make important contributions to the field of physical science. Armed with information regarding an individual’s body shape, size, proportion, and composition, industry professionals make adjustments in order to optimize performance. The measurements also have applications for other fields, such as Outdoor Recreation Guide, where the measurements need to be considered when selecting equipment. An international agency, International Society for Advanced Kinanthropometry, has adopted a set of global standards and developed an accreditation process to guarantee quality and uniformity within the industry.

References

Anthropometric Tests. (n.d.). The Sports and Science Resource. Retrieved from http://www.topendsports.com/testing/anthropometry.htm

Clegg, P. (2013, November 9). Ergonomic study. Sea Kayaking. Retrieved http://www.seakayakinganglesey.co.uk/index.php/expeditions/64-ergonomic-study-of-sea-kayakers

Kilani, H., & Abu-Eisheh, A. (2010). Optimum anthropometric criteria for ideal body composition related fitness. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 10(1), 74-79.

Upcoming Accreditation Courses (n.d.). International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Retrieved from http://www.isakonline.com/upcoming_courses

Welcome to ISAK. (n.d.). International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Retrieved from http://www.isakonline.com/