Body Composition Estimation for Children: IBM-Compatible Computer Software

Dr Timothy Lohman, one of America's foremost authorities on children's body composition, has developed this computer software program (and an accompanying video, "Measuring Body Fat Using Skinfolds") to help physical educators and fitness professionals determine the body composition of children. "Body Composition Estimation for Children" accurately calculates body composition based on children's age, gender, height, weight, and skinfold measurements. To help tailor activities to meet individual needs, the software generates a report for each student, compares individual scores to national norms, calculates optimal weight range, and computes class averages. In the video ("Measuring Body Fat Using Skinfolds"), Dr Lohman explains and demonstrates how to measure body fat using the skinfold caliper method. The tape shows how to select reliable calipers; take measurements at tricep, subscapular, and calf sites; and evaluate the test results. The video comes with body fat norms to compare students' measurements with the national norms for 6- to 18-year-olds.