Handbook of Anthropometry

There are a variety of theoretical and practical defi nitions of anthropometry, but in its
simplest form anthropometry is the physical measurement of the human body and its
parts. Methods can be very simple. On the other hand, advances in technology and
computing have given rise to the development of more sophisticated apparatus which
can be used to measure and characterise individual tissues and organs. Thus, anthropometric devices can range from a simple tape to measure head circumference to
expensive electromagnetic image-capturing systems for characterising limb shapes.
These methods can be used to obtain information on normal people at various life
stages. Alternatively, anthropometry can be used and applied to understanding disease, including the responses to treatments, or to generate reference data. Understanding
and applying concepts and techniques of anthropometry require a good source of written material that covers not only the theoretical basics but the practical applications
in health and disease.