Neck Girth

Girths are circumference measures at standard anatomical sites around the body.

aim: to measure the circumference of the neck, as one of the many measurements of body size.
equipment required: flexible metal tape measure and pen suitable for marking the skin. If a plastic or cloth tape is used, it should be checked regularly against a metal tape as they may stretch over time.
procedure: The neck measurement is taken immediately above the thyroid cartilage (the Adam's Apple). The subject should keep their head up and looking straight ahead.When recording, you need to make sure the tape is not too tight or too loose, is lying flat on the skin.
reliability: Factors that may affect reliability include changes to the testing personnel, constant and even tension on the tape, and correct landmarking (finding the correct anatomical site for measurement).
advantages: low costs involved in the testing procedure, and ease of self testing
comments: Girth measurements combined with skinfold measurements can give a clearer picture of changes in tissue composition and distribution of muscle and fat.

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