Application of Therapeutic Hot and Cold Agents Result in Altered Measurement of Skinfold Thickness

Introduction: Accurate determination of body composition is crucial for athletic assessment and training. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry suggest that skinfold measurements may be affected by conditions such as recent training, competition, sauna swimming or showering, as heat may increase values due to an associated increase in blood flow; however this effect has not previously been demonstrated. Methods: This intervention trial, with crossover design, aimed to investigate the effect of modified skin surface temperatures following topical thermal applications on skinfold thickness at the bicep and tricep. Skinfold thickness (SF) and skin surface temperature pre- and post-application of a heated pad and cold gel pad was recorded in 54 young adults. Results: Heat application led to a small, but significant, reduction in tricep SF and no significant change in bicep SF, while cold application resulted in a small, but significant, increase in bicep SF but not tricep SF. These changes may be attributed to alterations in tissue extensibility and creep rate. Conclusions: This study indicates that topical application of heat or cold can influence skinfold measurement, highlighting the importance of standardising measurement conditions. However, further research is needed to clarify whether this is a biological effect or a technical error of measurement.