The anthropometrist in the search for more reliable data.

Resumen

Anthropometry has applications in various areas; however, there is a margin of error in anthropometric measurements. Thus, the objective of this point of view is to highlight the procedures necessary to obtain and use reliable anthropometric data. One approach to minimize technical variability in the measurement is to control for the quality of the data by determining their precision, reliability, accuracy, and validity. This article describes the method of differences for the calculation of the technical error of measurement that can be compared to reference tables for the classification of anthropometrists into adequate or inadequate levels of precision for anthropometric measurements. In addition, a procedure for the analysis of the credibility of the measurement technique of the anthropometrist is demonstrated, which can be used in research and clinical practice. Furthermore, participation in the certification course in anthropometry the International Society for Advancement in Kinanthropometry, or the execution of the procedures demonstrated in this article is recommended before data collection for those interested in working with anthropometric measurements.