17th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Body Composition Assessment Using The FatTrack
Melissa A. White* and Sami Runnels
Ms. Liz Jorn and Dr. Jerry L. Mayhew , Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to compare the new FatTrack Digital Skinfold Caliper to the Lange skinfold caliper as a technique to assess %fat. Twelve female participants (age=19.5y±1.0, weight=66.8 kg±7.7) from a small, Midwestern college participated in this study. Subjects first took their own skinfolds using the FatTrack instrument at three sites and then had their measurements taken by a skilled tester using the Lange caliper. The same prediction equation was used to estimate %fat for both techniques. A paired t-test indicated no significant difference (t=.89, p=.40) between the methods in estimating %fat. However, the correlation between the two methods was not significant (r=.13, p=.70). While there was not a significant difference between the two techniques, the correlation between the two %fats was so low as to indicate a lack of consistency. Caution should be given to fitness professionals or recreational athletes who are thinking of purchasing the FatTrack.
Keywords: Body Composition, FatTrack, Lange caliper, Skinfolds, %fat
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 17-4
Location: VH 1000
Time: 10:45