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Description

Methods

Mid-upper arm

Horizontal measure of mid-point of right arm: half way between acromium and olecranon processes

Mark midpoint of arm by measuring the distance between the top of the acromion process (run finger along shoulder blade until it drops down onto the upper arm bone. In clients with more subcutaneous fat, you may ask the client to move their arm back and forth while feeling for the top of the moving bone) and the bottom of the olecranon process (the bone just to the right of the bottom of the elbow that should not move when client moves their lower arm) and marking the halfway point. Place the tape measure under the arm from the back of the arm and wind around to outside of arm at the midpoint. Ask the client to relax their arm at their side and check to see that tape is held horizontally. Place the metal tip on the outside of the arm and wrap the tape on top of the metal tip to measure. Pull the tape tight and relax it until it does not compress tissues. Repeat pulling and relaxing until you get a repeated measure at the mid-point. Once the reading is taken, allow the tape to drop from under the arm while holding the plastic casing and gently remove the tape. Record the reading immediately (redo measure if you forget or are unsure of the reading).

Waist

Horizontal measure of the trunk area above the hip bones and at the level of the belly button; alternately: midway between lowest rib and iliac crest

Have the client lift their arms from their side and place the tape measure around the waist at the belly button level from the right side to the left side while standing to the right in front of the client. Place the metal tip to the right of the belly button and wrap the tape on top of the metal tip to measure and check to see that tape is held horizontally. Ask the client to relax their arms at their side, relax their abdominal muscles, and slowly breath out during the measure. Pull the tape tight and relax it until it does not compress tissues. Repeat pulling and relaxing until you get a repeated measure. Once the reading is taken, allow the tape to drop from around the waist while holding the plastic casing and gently remove the tape. Record the reading immediately (redo measure if you forget or are unsure of the reading).

Hip

Horizontal measure at the level of the greater trochanter bone (top of upper leg)

While client is standing, ask him or her to move the right leg slightly from side to side and feel for the greater trochanter (usually right around wrist level if arms are relaxed at the side). Place the tape measure behind and wrap to the front right side of the body with the metal tip underneath to measure. Pull the tape tight and relax it until it does not compress tissues. Repeat pulling and relaxing until you get a repeated measure. Once the reading is taken, allow the tape to drop from around the hips while holding the plastic casing and gently remove the tape. Record the reading immediately (redo measure if you forget or are unsure of the reading).