Comparing Body Composition Methods in Male Athletes
Author Information
Author(s): Svantesson Ulla, Zander Martina, Klingberg Sofia, Slinde Frode
Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Hypothesis
How do body composition results from bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy compare with those from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in male elite athletes?
Conclusion
Body composition results assessed by BIS in elite athletes should be interpreted with caution, especially in individual subjects.
Supporting Evidence
- BIS underestimated fat mass by 4.6% points in ice hockey players.
- BIS resulted in a lower mean fat mass by 1.1% points in soccer players.
- Agreement between methods at the individual level was highly variable.
Takeaway
This study looked at how two different methods measure body fat in male athletes. It found that one method might not always give the right answer.
Methodology
Body composition was assessed using DXA and BIS at the same time, with agreement analyzed using paired t-tests.
Potential Biases
BIS showed low precision in estimating body composition at an individual level.
Limitations
Participants' conditions regarding exercise, dehydration, or fasting were not registered.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male elite athletes aged 18 years or older, competing in soccer and ice hockey.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0056
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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