Validity of the ultrasonic technique as a method of measuring subcutaneous adipose tissue

Ann Hum Biol. 1976 May;3(3):245-51. doi: 10.1080/03014467600001411.

Abstract

Subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements, at abdomen, suprailiac, subscapular, and mid-triceps sites, made with the ultrasonic and skinfold caliper techniques were compared using data from 20 women and 17 men from a pool of subjects of 22 women and 20 men. In addition, comparisons were made between ultrasonic, soft-tissue roentgenographic and skinfold caliper techniques at the suprailiac and mid-triceps sites on 6 women and 12 men. Repeat measurements with the ultrasonic technique produced correlation coefficients of 0-87 and above. Correlations between skinfold caliper and ultrasonic measurements were generally higher among women than men over each of the four sites. A highly significant relationship, r = 0-88, was observed between the ultrasonic measurements and soft-tissue roentgenograms over the mid-triceps site. The correlation between the fat-muscle interface measured on the roentgenogram and ultrasonic measurements at the suprailiac site was 0-78. Multiple echoes and interfaces were observed at the suprailiac site on some subjects.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen
  • Adipose Tissue / anatomy & histology*
  • Adult
  • Arm
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ilium
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scapula
  • Sex Factors
  • Skinfold Thickness
  • Ultrasonography*