Segmometer for Knee Height Measurement, Ulna / Forearm Length, Demi Span

Segmometer for Knee Height Measurement, Ulna / Forearm Length, Demi Span

What is a Segmometer (or Anthropometric Segmometer)?

A segmometer is a modified tape measure with tips used for body measurements (anthropometry) for lengths of bones. 

What Does a Segmometer Measure? 

Use a segmometer for knee height measurement, demi-span, and ulna / forearm length measurement. These measurements can be used to estimate height / stature of patients unable to stand for a traditional height measurement, including bedridden patients, elderly persons, people in wheelchairs, and patients with other medical conditions.

A segmometer is also used in body fat measurement to identify midpoint of upper arm.

To know how to make these measurements with the segmometer, visit our article How to Measure Height of Bedridden Adults

What are the Different Types of Segmometers?

Rigid segmometer

A rigid segmometer is sometimes called a knee height caliper, Ross knee height caliper, and Shorr knee height caliper. It consistes of a long steel or metal rod with a sliding arms.

Flexible segmometer

A flexible segmometer is a modified tape measure with tips.  The advantage of a flexible segmometer is that is very compact and thus easier to transport.  It may also be more comfortable to handle for shorter measurements. 

Cescorf Segmometer vs. Realmet Segmometer

NutriActiva offers two brands of flexible segmometers, Cescorf and Realmet. While the Cescorf is a high quality affordable segmometer, some people prefer the Realmet segmometer for its additional features. The Realmet features a built in level, metal tips (vs. the Cescorf's plastic tips), and dual inside/outside measurement readings. The outside measurement reading includes the length of the case, meaning that a reading could be taken with the segmometer placed against a surface (wall, floor, board, etc). The Realmet tends to be preferred for medical research and trials, since the built-in level helps for more consistent measurements.  

 

Cescorf Flexible Segmometer

Realmet Segmometer

 Segmómetro Realmet Segmometer

 

What is the Price of a Segmometer?

Segmometers price varies depending on the brand. Normally cost between $135-220.

Compare Other Segmometers

NutriActiva does not currently sell these models

 Avanutri Segmometer

  • 3m Range
  • Resolution 1mm
  • Flexible Steel Blade
  • Plastic Tips
  • ABS Plastic Shell
avanutri segmometer

Rosscraft Segmometer

  • 1.06 m Range
  • Resolution 1mm
  • Flexible Steel Blade
  • Plastic Tips
  • No Shell, the tape must be rolled up for transport
rosscraft segmometer 4

SmartMet Segmometer

  • 2 m Range
  • Resolution 1mm
  • Flexible Steel Blade
  • Plastic Tips
  • Anodized Aluminum Shell
samartmet segmometer

Super Segmometer

  • 3 m Range
  • Resolution 1mm
  • Flexible Steel Blade
  • Metallic Tips
  • Plastic Shell
super segmometer

By Body Segmometer

  • 3 m Range
  • Resolution 1mm
  • Flexible Steel Blade
  • Titanium Tips
  • Plastic Shell
by body segmometer

What Can I Use Instead of a Segmometer? 

This is where the terminology gets tricky, because there are many variations of tools with overlapping names and uses.  For example, a segmometer literally means a tool for measuring segments.  But it's also a tape measure, albeit modified. It could also be called an anthropometer, which literally means a tool for measuring the body. 

Knee Height Caliper

This is a rigid caliper intended for just measuring knee height. The Shorr knee height caliper, for example, has a range of 80cm, much less than the 300cm range of a flexible segmometer. 

Anthropometric Tape Measure

An anthropometric tape measure, such as the Lufkin W606PM, is ideal for measuring circumference, such as wrist or waist.   Typically is has a narrow (6mm) flexible steel blade and measures in metric units.  Because of the flexible blade, it is not ideal for measuring length of bones, as muscle and tissue may affect the reading.  If a segmometer is not available, this is an acceptable option, though. In contrast a segmometer will not be affected by muscle and tissue.   

Anthropometer

The Harpenden Anthropometer is a set of tools for measuring the human body that allows for multiple configurations.  It has been used in ulna length studies, rather than a segmometer. 

Where Can I Buy a Segmometer?

NutriActiva.com sells the RealMet and Cescorf segmometers.  For purchase orders, please contact us.  

Additional Resources 

http://www.rxkinetics.com/height_estimate.html (with links to good scientific studies) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCdvmAiG7Ek (ulna height measurement)

International Buying Info 

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