25th Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Skinfold Equations with Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Collegiate Cross Country Runners
Katie R. Hirsch*, Abby M. Palm, and Andrew J. Sheets
Mr. Timothy Schwegler and Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentors
Dual-energy X-ray absorpitometry (DXA) has been introduced as a gold-standard for measuring body composition. Because the device is expensive and non-portable, field methods are still widely used to estimate %fat in athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of various field methods for determining %fat compared to DXA in athletes. The body composition of 16 members of the Truman cross country team (9 M, 7 F) were measured using arm-to-arm and leg-to-leg bioelectrical analysis (BIA) techniques for athletes, selected skinfolds, and DXA. Skinfolds were used to estimate %fat using athletic and generic equations. In both men and women, all techniques except one skinfold equation were significantly lower than DXA by 3-7%. The skinfold equation used log transformation of the sum of 4 skinfolds. Future investigations with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Keywords: body composition, percent body fat, DXA, athletes
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 500-10
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30