AIR DISPLACEMENT PLETHYSMOGRAPHY VERSUS DUAL ENERGY X-RAY
ABSORPTIOMETRY FOR BODY COMPOSITION ASSESSMENT IN FEMALE ATHLETES
Ronald L. Snarr1, Jr., Henry N. Williford, FACSM2, and Michael R. Esco, FACSM2
1School
of Nutrition and Health Promotion, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
2 Human Performance Laboratory, Auburn University at Montgomery, Montgomery, AL
Results
Methods
Abstract
Assessing body composition in athletes is vital due to its potential
Subjects
impact on sports performance and overall health. Air displacement
Thirty female collegiate athletes (mean age = 21.87 ± 1.93, height = 167.65 ± 6.76 cm, weight
plethysmography (BODPOD) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
= 65.21 ± 7.80 kg) volunteered for this study. For each athlete, BODPOD and DXA were used
(DXA) are two laboratory techniques of measuring body composition.
to measure BF% and FFM. The body composition measures were compared with T-tests,
Both methods are often utilized as criterion measures in sports
correlation procedures, and the method of Bland-Altman.
science investigations. However, there is limited research comparing
Procedures
the BODPOD and DXA among female athletes. PURPOSE: The
For all participants, height measurements were taken with a digital wall stadiometer (Detecto,
purpose of this investigation was to compare BODPOD and DXA for
Missouri, USA).
estimating body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) in
hanging by their sides against the stadiometer.
To obtain measures, all subjects stood erect, without shoes, and arms
female athletes. METHODS: Thirty female collegiate athletes (mean
age = 21.87 ± 1.93, height = 167.65 ± 6.76 cm, weight = 65.21 ± 7.80
Body composition was first tested using air displacement plethysmography (Bod Pod®,
kg) volunteered for this study. For each athlete, BODPOD and DXA
COSMED, Rome, Italy). For this measurement, subjects were required to wear a bathing suit
were used to measure BF% and FFM.
and swim cap. Prior to body volume measurements, weight of the subject was measured via
The body composition
measures were compared with T-tests, correlation procedures, and
an external, electronic scale outside the Bod Pod® chamber.
Once inside the chamber,
the method of Bland-Altman. RESULTS: The mean BF% and FFM
subjects’ were asked to remain motionless and breathe normally as the body composition
acquired from BODPOD was 22.4 ± 5.1% and 50.4 ± 5.2 kg,
measurement , roughly 1-2 minutes, was completed.
respectively, and from DXA was 27.4 ± 4.3% and 47.2 ± 5.2 kg,
respectively. The BF% and FFM values were significantly different
A whole-body DEXA scan (GE Lunar Prodigy®, Software version 10.50.086, GE Lunar
between DXA and BODPOD (p < 0.05) despite significant correlations
Corporation, Madison, WI, USA) was used as the criterion method of BF% (BF%-DEXA).
(r = 0.85, p < 0.05 for BF% and r = 0.94, p < 0.05 for FFM). The limits
Calibration of the DEXA was performed before each scan according to the manufacturer’s
of agreement showed that the 95% confidence interval of the mean
specifications using the calibration block.
difference (i.e., BODPOD – DXA) ranged from 0.3% to -10.3% for
objects, such as jewelry, etc., was required by all subjects. Subjects were then instructed to
BF% and from 0.2 to -6.6 kg for FFM. CONCLUSION: This study
lie completely motionless in the supine position with their arms down by their sides and hands
demonstrated significant differences in BF% and FFM between
in a neutral position. To avoid movement of their legs, the subjects’ ankles were held together
BODPOD and DXA. Furthermore, the limits of agreement between
the two techniques were wide.
Prior to each DEXA scan removal of all metal
by a Velcro strap.
This study demonstrated significant differences in BF% and FFM between BODPOD and DXA. Furthermore, the limits of
agreement between the two techniques were wide. These results are in agreement with previous research of collegiate female
Future research is needed to
track and field athletes, where BF% was significantly different (1). Therefore, future research is needed to determine accurate
determine accurate body composition assessment tools in female
body composition assessment tools in female athletes.
athletes.
Introduction
Conclusion
Results
The mean BF% and FFM acquired from BODPOD was 22.4 ± 5.1% and 50.4 ± 5.2
Assessing body composition in athletes is vital due to its potential
impact on sports performance and overall health. Air displacement
plethysmography (BODPOD) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
(DXA) are two laboratory techniques of measuring body composition.
kg, respectively, and from DXA was 27.4 ± 4.3% and 47.2 ± 5.2 kg, respectively. The
BF% and FFM values were significantly different between DXA and BODPOD (p <
References
0.05) despite significant correlations (r = 0.85, p < 0.05 for BF% and r = 0.94, p < 0.05
for FFM).
Both methods are often utilized as criterion measures in sports
science investigations. However, there is limited research comparing
the BODPOD and DXA among female athletes. The purpose of this
The limits of agreement showed that the 95% confidence interval of the mean
investigation was to compare BODPOD and DXA for estimating body
difference (i.e., BODPOD – DXA) ranged from 0.3% to -10.3% for BF% and from 0.2
fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) in female athletes.
to -6.6 kg for FFM (Figures 1 and 2).
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