Predicting sum of skinfolds in children using a multiple regression equation

A multiple regression equation composed of variables that could be easily collected in a school setting was developed to assist school personnel in predicting the sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfolds. The data used for the development of this equation were deriVed from 8,723 subjects ages, 10 through 18, who participated in the first National Children and Youth Fitness Study (NCYFS I). A random half of the subjects was used to develop the equation, and the remainder was used to cross-validate it. Several equations were developed to predict the sum of the triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Using the selected equation, health and physical educators can predict the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds and thereby identify overfat children. Subsequently, they can direct these children into weight management programs.