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The medial calf skinfold site is one of the common locations used for the assessment of body fat using skinfold calipers. There are also a few less common skinfold sites of the lower leg, such as the lateral and posterior calf sites. See the complete list of skinfold sites, and the general procedure for taking skinfold measurements.

Landmark for Medial Calf A point on the medial (inside) surface of the calf, at the level of the largest circumference. A tape measure should be used to determine this point.

Pinch The subject should place their foot on a chair or box so that the knee is at approximately 90 degrees. A vertical pinch parallel to the long axis of the leg.

Other Calf Skinfold Sites

• Lateral calf skinfold site - This site is on the lateral side of the lower leg, and the same level of the medial calf measurement (at the level of the maximum calf circumference). This site is rarely used
• Proximal Calf Skinfold - a vertical fold raised on the posterior aspect of the calf in the mid-sagittal plane 5 cm inferior to the popliteal fossa. This site is rarely used.
• Posterior Calf Skinfold Site - Same as the proximal calf skinfold? Maybe at the level of the greatest circumference of the calf, on the posterior aspect. This site is rarely used.

Reference

• International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (2001) published by The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)

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Related Pages

• All skinfold sites
• Skinfold measurement procedure
• Skinfold Test Results
• Videos of Anthropometric Tests including Skinfold Testing.

Related Products

• skinfold caliper store