Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Hip Girth

Girth measurements play a crucial role in understanding body size and composition. One such measurement is hip girth, which measures the circumference around the hips at the level of the greatest protrusion of the buttocks. This measurement provides valuable information about the underlying hip structure, musculature, and adipose tissue.

Purpose

The primary purpose of hip girth measurement is to assess the circumference of the hip area. When combined with the measurement of abdominal girth in the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), it has been shown to be related to the risk of coronary heart disease.

Equipment Required

To measure hip girth, you will need a flexible metal tape measure and a pen suitable for marking the skin. It’s important to regularly check plastic or cloth tapes against a metal tape, as they may stretch over time.

Procedure

To obtain an accurate measurement, follow these steps:

  1. The subject should stand erect with their weight evenly distributed on both feet and legs slightly parted. Make sure they are not tensing the gluteal muscles.
  2. Measure the hip girth over minimal clothing at the level of the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles.
  3. Ensure that the tape is not too tight or too loose, lies flat, and is positioned horizontally.
  4. It may be helpful to have the subject stand on a box to make the measurement easier.
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Reliability and Advantages

Factors that may affect the reliability of hip girth measurement include changes to the testing personnel, constant and even tension on the tape, and correct landmarking of the anatomical site for measurement. However, the advantages of this testing procedure include low costs and ease of self-testing.

Privacy and Clothing

To maintain personal privacy, clothing over the measurement site should be removed if possible. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate to measure over the subject’s clothing. If this is the case, it should be recorded along with the results.

References

  • Welborn TA, Satvinder S Dhaliwal, and Stanley A Bennett (2003). Waist-hip ratio is the dominant risk factor predicting cardiovascular death in Australia. The Medical Journal of Australia; 179 (11/12): 580-585.

Similar Tests

  • Waist girth

Related Pages

  • Body composition tests using girth measurements: Waist to Hip Ratio, Waist to Height Ratio
  • General description of taking girth measurements and links to other girth measures
  • A discussion about Body Size Testing
  • Using MyoTape for girth measurement
  • Other anthropometric tests
  • Videos of Anthropometric Tests

FAQs

Q: Why is hip girth measurement important?
A: Hip girth measurement provides insights into the hip area’s circumference, which is linked to the risk of coronary heart disease when combined with abdominal girth measurement.

Q: What equipment is needed for hip girth measurement?
A: To measure hip girth, you will need a flexible metal tape measure and a pen suitable for marking the skin.

Q: How do you perform hip girth measurement?
A: The subject should stand erect with their weight evenly distributed on both feet, legs slightly parted, and gluteal muscles relaxed. Measure the circumference at the level of the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles, making sure the tape is not too tight or too loose.

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Q: Can you measure hip girth over clothing?
A: Ideally, clothing over the measurement site should be removed for accuracy. However, in certain circumstances, measuring over clothing may be appropriate and should be recorded with the results.

Summary

Hip girth measurement is an essential aspect of anthropometry, providing information about the hip area’s circumference and its relationship to coronary heart disease risk. With the use of a flexible metal tape measure and proper procedure, accurate measurements can be obtained. By understanding the purpose, equipment required, and correct measurement technique, individuals can assess their underlying hip structure, musculature, and adipose tissue composition. For privacy reasons, it is advisable to remove clothing over the measurement site whenever possible. Hip girth measurement, along with other anthropometric tests, forms a comprehensive approach to understanding body size and composition. To learn more about girth measurements and related tests, refer to the provided references and resources. Explore the world of anthropometry and gain valuable insights into your own body.