title: A comparison of leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance and skinfolds in assessing body fat in collegiate wrestlers.
abstract: A comparison of the leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance (BIA) system and skinfold analysis in estimating % body fat in a large number of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) collegiate wrestlers was conducted. A series of 5 cross-sectional assessments, including the NCAA Division I and III Championships, were completed throughout the 1998-1999 wrestling season with samples ranging from (N = 90-274). Body density was determined from the 3 skinfold measures using the Lohman prediction equation. BIA measurements were determined using the Tanita body fat analyzer, model 305. Significant correlations between methods ranging from (r = 0.67-0.83, p < 0.001) and low standard error of estimates (SEE) for % body fat ranging from 2.1-3.5% were found throughout the 5 assessment periods. This preliminary study demonstrated that the leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance system accurately estimated % body fat when compared to skinfolds in a diverse collegiate wrestling population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Utter
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Oppliger
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Visich
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Goss
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Marks
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Nieman
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D017097:Electric Impedance; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D014952:Wrestling