A comparison of leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance and skinfolds in assessing body fat in collegiate wrestlers.
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.
Utter
A C
AC
Department of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA.
Scott
J R
JR
Oppliger
R A
RA
Visich
P S
PS
Goss
F L
FL
Marks
B L
BL
Nieman
D C
DC
Smith
B W
BW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D017097:Electric Impedance; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D014952:Wrestling