21st Annual Student Research Conference
Effect of Difference in Body Estimation on Weight Loss Recommendation in High School Wrestlers
Devon B. Lacy* and Emily Maxwell
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of differences in body composition measurement techniques on projected minimum wrestling weight (MWW) in high school wrestlers. Methods: Two technicians performed skinfold assessments and %fat prediction on 29 high school wrestlers (age = 16.1 ± 1.2 y) prior the competitive season. In addition, %fat was determined from two bioelectric impedance devices (BIA). Results: %fat was significantly different across the 4 methods with a low of 6.6% (± 3.4%) and a high of 15.4% (± 6.6%). The skinfold technicians differed significantly in their %fat estimate. In addition, leg-to-leg BIA was significantly lower than arm-to-arm BIA. The range of %fat values resulted in significantly different projected relative body weight losses to reach MWW, ranging from 3.7% to 9.8%. Conclusion: Not all %fat prediction techniques produce comparable values in young wrestlers which could result in large differences in suggested weight loss.
Keywords: percent fat, wrestling, skinfolds, body composition
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 7-3
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15