Measurements are taken while the person is standing erect with feet apart so that they are located below the shoulders. The mid-thigh point is midway between the inguinal crease and the proximal border of the patella.
Parameters:
(1) mid-thigh circumference in cm
(2) anterior thigh skinfold thickness in mm
total thigh cross sectional area in square cm =
= (4.68 * (mid thigh circumference in cm)) – (2.09 * (anterior thigh skinfold in mm)) – 80.99
quadriceps cross sectional area in square cm =
= (2.52 * (mid thigh circumference in cm)) – (1.25 * (anterior thigh skinfold in mm)) – 45.13
total thigh cross sectional area in square cm =
= (1.08 * (mid thigh circumference in cm)) – (0.64 * (anterior thigh skinfold in mm)) – 22.69
Limitations:
• The circumference measurements should be taken at precise locations with a steel tape.
• Measurements should be taken several times and the results averaged.
• R values range from 0.75 for the hamstring estimate to 0.86 for the total and quadriceps estimates.
• The results are suitable for estimates when more precise methods are not available.
