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 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