Reliability and Validity of Iranian Slim Guide Skinfold Caliper to Measure Subcutaneous Fat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Iranian slim guide skinfold caliper and the Harpenden skinfold caliper to measure subcutaneous fat. A total of 15 healthy subjects who met inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the study. The seven-point subcutaneous fat was measured to evaluate the reproducibility of the slim guide skinfold caliper on 2 different days according to Heyward and Wagner instructions. Also, to assess the validity of the slim guide skinfold caliper, the results of subcutaneous fat measurement using the slim guide skinfold caliper were compared with those of subcutaneous fat measurement using the Harpenden skinfold caliper, which is considered as a gold standard method for skinfold measurement.  Examiners 1 and 2 demonstratedGood intra-examiner reliability, with high ICC values (ICC=0.95-0.96 and ICC=0.96-0.97 respectively) as a mean of the seven points per day. A good inter-examiner reliability (ICC = 0.93-0.93) was found for the slim guide skinfold caliper on two days. Also, the validity of this method in all seven points was a mean of r = 0.98- 0.97 on two days, indicating an acceptable level of validity. Also, a significant value was acceptable in all tests (P≤ 0.001). Therefore, it is recommended that the Iranian slim guide skinfold caliper made in-house can be used for anthropometric measurements, especially in measurements that last more than one day, which is considered as an accurate tool with an acceptable level of validity.