What is the procedure for taking skinfold measurements?

The procedure for taking skinfold measurements involves several important steps to ensure accuracy and consistency. Waiting 1-2 seconds before reading the caliper is crucial because it allows the caliper to stabilize and gives an accurate reading of the skinfold thickness. This brief waiting period helps in obtaining a measurement that is not influenced by the immediate force applied by the caliper, which can vary if read immediately after pinching.

It's also important to consider that taking the measurement on the left side of the body is a standard practice for consistency, yet does not specifically pertain to the timing of the caliper reading. The recommendation to pinch with fingers 2 cm from the center may not be a standard guideline for all skinfold measurements, as the focus typically should be on the anatomical landmark for accurate skinfold location. Measuring parallel to the skinfold, while relevant to technique, does not directly pertain to the timing of the reading, which is why it is less emphasized in the procedural outline.

Thus, the importance of taking the time to allow the caliper reading to stabilize makes the practice of waiting 1-2 seconds before reading the caliper the correct and crucial aspect of the skinfold measurement procedure.