ANTHROPOMETRIC

MEASUREMENT
PT Examination, Evaluation, and
Documentation
PT Eval and TX Team
Edited by: Jorell Victor S. Angeles, PTRP
 When do we need to perform
Anthropometric Measurement?
Swelling

Asymmetry in limb girth

Postural and gait deviations

Amputation
 True leg length discrepancy vs.
Functional leg length discrepancy
True Leg Length Discrepancy
Definition: This is caused by an anatomic or structural change in
the lower leg resulting from congenital maldevelopment (e.g.,
adolescent coxa vara, congenital hip dysplasia, bony abnormality)
or trauma (e.g., fracture). The spine and the pelvis may be
affected, leading to lateral pelvic tilt and scoliosis.

Functional Leg Length Discrepancy

Definition: It is the result of compensation for a change that may
have occurred because of positioning rather than structure (e.g. a
functional leg length discrepancy could occur because of unilateral
foot pronation or spinal scoliosis)
 True Leg Length Discrepancy

Test Procedure: Measurement is taken from the ASIS to the

lateral malleolus (sometimes medial malleolus).

Result: Slight difference (as much as 1 to 1.5 cm) in leg length is

considered normal.
 Functional Leg Length Discrepancy

Test Procedure: The examiner obtains the distance from the tip
of the xiphisternum or umbilicus to the medial malleolus.

Result: Slight difference (as much as 1 to 1.5 cm) in leg length is

considered normal.
Leg Length and Posture
Question

A patient comes to your clinic and presents with the

following (shown in the photograph). Which
anthropometric assessment procedure is the best to
perform?
A. Limb Girth Measurement
B. Muscle Bulk Measurement
C. Volumetric Measurement
D. Leg Length Assessment
 Limb Girth Measurement

Landmark (R) (L) Difference

Sample Documentation:
10 cm below the greater 43 cm 45 cm 2 cm
trochanter
20 cm below the greater 40 cm 43 cm 3 cm
trochanter
25 cm below the greater 45 cm 42 cm 3 cm
trochanter
Interpretation:
Significance:
Note:
• Usually used to measure increased limb girth due to swelling
• Examiner selects where increased change in girth diameter is greatest and
measures the circumference (in centimeters) of the extremity.
• Examiner should select a stable landmark, and measure the circumference of the
extremity above and below the landmark, with increments preferably 2 inches.
• Compare measurements to the other side.
Volumetric Measurement
Figure of Eight Measurement
for the Ankle
 Figure of Eight Measurement
for the Ankle
• The patient is positioned in long sitting with the ankle and lower
leg beyond the end of the examining table with the ankle in
plantigrade (90°).
• The examiner places the end of the tape measure on the tibialis
anterior tendon, drawing the tape medially across the instep just
distal to the navicular tuberosity.
• The tape is then pulled across the arch of the foot just proximal
to the base of the fifth metatarsal, across the tibialis anterior
tendon, and then around the ankle joint just distal to the tip of
the medial malleolus, across the Achilles tendon, and just distal
to the lateral malleolus, returning to the starting position.
• The measurement is repeated three times and an average taken.
Compare measurements to the other side.
Figure of Eight Measurement
for the Hand
 Figure of Eight Measurement
for the Hand

• The examiner places a mark on the distal aspect of the ulnar

styloid process as a starting point (A).
• The examiner then takes the tape measure across the anterior
wrist to the most distal aspect of the radial styloid process (B).
• Then tape is brought diagonally across the back (dorsum) of the
hand and over the fifth metacarophalangeal joint line, across the
anterior surface of the metacarpophalangeal joints and then
diagonally across the back of the hand to where the tape started
(C-E).
• The examiner may also measure around the proximal
interphalangeal joints individually, around the
metacarpophalangeal joints as a group, and/or around the palm
and wrist.
• The values for both hands are compared.
 Question
A patient comes to your clinic for pre-
prosthetic training. As part of your initial
evaluation, which anthropometric
measurements can you perform on the
residual limb? Length and girth
measurements
Residual Limb Assessment

Landmarks: • Length Measurement

§ Above elbow: acromion process • Measure from the landmark to
stump end
§ Below elbow: lateral epicondyle
§ Above knee: adductor longus
origin or greater trochanter
• Girth Measurement
§ Below knee: medial tibial • Measure every 1-2 inches in
plateau length
 Question
A patient comes to your clinic and
presents with the manifestations shown
in the photograph. What can you
observe? What assessment procedure
would be best to perform based on your
observation? Muscle Atrophy | MBM
 Muscle Bulk Measurement
• Contract the muscle and measure the
circumference of the widest diameter.
• Measure the distance from the widest
diameter to a stable landmark.
• Compare measurements to the other
side.

• Purpose: Usually used to measure

muscle bulk due to atrophy
 Body Fat Measurement
• No one should be below
5% body fat.
• When to put on a weight
loss program?
 Body Fat Measurement
• Seven skinfold sites are most commonly used, although some people
believe that measurement at three sites is sufficient
• Most males should fall below 12% to 15% body fat.
• Endurance athletes (e.g., distance runners, gymnasts, wrestlers) are
often below 7%.
• Football, baseball, and soccer players average 10% to 12%.
• No one should be below 5% body fat.
• Generally, if the percentage of body fat is greater than the upper normal
limit of 14% for males and 17% for females, the patient should be put on
a weight loss program or weight training to increase lean body mass; but
again, this depends on the activity in which the patient wishes to
participate.
Reference

• Magee, D. (2014). Orthopedic Physical Assessment

(6th Edition). Elsevier (Canada).