When using skinfold calipers to assess body composition, how should the skin of the suprailiac region be pinched?

The correct approach to pinching the skin of the suprailiac region with skinfold calipers is to do so at a 45-degree angle. This technique is important because it targets the subcutaneous fat effectively while minimizing the compressive forces that can distort the measurement.

When measuring skinfold thickness, the angle at which the skin is pinched influences the accuracy of the measurement. A 45-degree angle allows for an optimal lift of the skin and fat layer away from the underlying muscles, ensuring that the measurement reflects the true fat layer rather than including any muscle or bone tissue. This method leads to more reliable and valid results for body composition assessment, which is crucial in strength and conditioning settings where accurate body fat percentages can inform training and nutrition strategies.

Using a different angle, such as right angles or steeper angles, might compress the tissue too much or might not adequately isolate the fat layer you are trying to measure. Therefore, pinching at a 45-degree angle is the standard practice for accurate skinfold measurements in the suprailiac region.