ABSTRACT
Anthropometry is the measurement of human body dimension such as lengths, breadths, girths, and skinfolds using surface landmarks for reference. Like other areas of science the procedures and processes depend upon adherence to the particular rules of measurement as determined by national and international standards bodies. This chapter introduces practitioners to techniques required to obtain a comprehensive anthropometric profile on a person. There are two general 'profiles' adopted by ISAK and commonly used for anthropometric assessment, the Restricted and Full profiles. Ideally, data collection should involve one measurer and one recorder to minimise measurement error but in large surveys a team of anthropometrists may be used to expedite data collection. An anthropometer is used to measure heights and lengths either directly or indirectly. The instrument is used to measure the vertical heights between specific anatomical landmarks on the subject and the floor or sitting surface.
