•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 3: Issue 1, Article 6, 2022. Different techniques exist for examining body composition. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in body fat percentage as measured by air displacement plethysmography (ADP), body adiposity index (BAI), bioelectrical impedance (BIA), a body mass index conversion equation (BMID), and skinfolds (SKF). Twenty-one male Utah Highway Patrol Officers participated in this study (age 35.19 ± 10.32 years, 1.79 ± 0.09 m tall, 92.20 ± 14.56 kg in weight, and 105.52 ± 10.01 cm hip circumference). All measurements were taken during a single visit and performed in the same order for all participants beginning with BIA, followed by ADP, and SKF. The BAI and BMI conversion equation were later calculated. For ADP and SKF the Brozek equation was used to convert body density to percent body fat (%BF). No significant differences were found among the different measurement techniques. No significant correlations were found between ADP, BAI, BIA, BMID, and SKF. Bland-Altman plots revealed small levels of bias, however, the upper and lower limits of agreement were large for all measures. Prediction equations such as BAI and BMID may be cheaper and faster for assessing large populations when compared with traditional laboratory techniques. This study found no significant different among the measurement techniques. Despite the non-significant differences, the authors suggest using a single measurement technique and not using techniques interchangeably.


Share

COinS