Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA) Practice Exam

Which skinfold sites should be used for a three-site SKF equation for a 45-year-old female client?

1. Triceps, Subscapula, Suprailium

2. Triceps, Suprailium, Thigh

3. Subscapula, Suprailium, Thigh

4. Triceps, Subscapula, Thigh

The correct answer is: Triceps, Suprailium, Thigh

The three-site skinfold (SKF) equation for assessing body fat in females typically involves selecting sites that provide a representative sample of subcutaneous fat distribution. For a 45-year-old female client, the most appropriate sites to consider include the triceps, suprailiac, and thigh. The triceps site is often selected because it reflects overall upper body subcutaneous fat. The suprailiac site captures fat that accumulates around the iliac crest, which is significant in female body composition. The thigh site represents lower body fat and is particularly valuable for assessing fat distribution in women. These specific sites are favored in research and practice because they correlate well with overall body fat percentage in females and provide a balance between different fat distribution patterns. Each of these sites is accessible and can yield consistent results when measured properly, leading to a reliable estimate of body fat percentage. Other combinations might overlook key areas where fat is typically stored in females or may include sites that are not as representative of overall body composition changes, resulting in less accurate assessments.