Final answer:
Caliper tips for determining skinfold thickness should be placed up to 15 caliper diameters deep based on newer research, instead of the previously suggested 7-8 diameters deep. Skin sensitivity and thickness, as well as fat distribution, are important factors to consider during the measurement process.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining skinfold thickness, the caliper tips should be placed at specific depths based on the body area being measured. While an older "rule of thumb" suggested 7-8 caliper diameters deep, newer research indicates it might be as much as 15 diameters deep. It's important to note that the sensitivity and thickness of skin vary across different parts of the body, affecting the measurement process. For instance, the skin on the fingertips, which is glabrous skin, is typically around 4 to 5 mm thick and more sensitive than the skin on other parts such as the arm or shoulder, which is about 2 to 3 mm thick.
Fat distribution in various body parts also plays a role in health risks, where visceral fat is a stronger predictor of disease risk than total fat mass. The caliper is a simple, low-cost, and noninvasive tool to measure fat mass, while the measurement of visceral fat can be done with just a measuring tape. For both types of fat measurement, it is crucial to follow the guidelines for correct placement of the tool to ensure accuracy of the readings.