Anthropometric Changes in Chronic Disease

Introduction

Additional anthropometric measurements can be taken to monitor changes that may occur in chronic disease states that are associated with hormonal alterations. Following are techniques for some suggested measures to capture information on trends. Therapies targeted to improving body habitus can be quantified.

Back measure:

Ask the client to stand (or sit) tall and in their best posture. Hold tape measure from outside edge of acromion processes across the back. Measure to the nearest millimeter.

Dorsocervical fat ridge and/or knob:

Ridge Width: From the right and left acromion processes, palpate toward the center of the back below the neck to determine the existence of a ridge (sometimes firm and sometimes spongy). Make sure to differentiate from muscle ridges. Measure width of ridge on the outside edges to the nearest millimeter.

Ridge Height: From the center of the back about mid-scapula, and from the bottom of the skull, palpate to detect ridge and measure height to the nearest millimeter.

Knob Width and Height: Carefully palpate the dorsocervical area to identify potential lipoma "knobs" and measure width and height from outside edges to the nearest millimeter.

Abdominal Area Measures:

Abdominal circumference:

Ask the client to stand relaxed. Wrap tape measure around torso at the umbilical level (usually about 2.5-3 cm below the waist) and parallel to the floor. Measure abdominal circumference at the umbilical level to the nearest 1/10 cm.

Additional abdominal measures:

(taken to provide a range of circumferences)

As you continue to hold the tape around the middle with both hands, ask the client to "suck in" their belly as much as possible and record measure to nearest millimeter. As you continue to hold the tape in place, ask the client to push out their belly ("like you are very pregnant") and measure to the nearest millimeter.