Faculty Publications

A Comparison Of Bielectric Impedance And Hydrodensitometry In Lean Males

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Volume

6

Issue

3

First Page

147

Last Page

151

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the old and new RJL bioelectric impedance equations for determining percent body fat (%BF) to hydrodensitometry in a sample of lean male athletes and non-athletes. Subjects were 10 track athletes, 10 bodybuilders and 10 non-athletes. All subjects were under 12 percent body fat as determined by hydrodensitometry. In addition to hydrodensitometry, %BF was determined using bielectric impedance and old (BIA-1) and new (BIA-2) equations used in the manufacturer’s software. Results indicated that the new RJL equations significantly overestimated %BF compared to hydrodensitometry by three units of %BF in all groups. Results also indicated that the amount of overestimation was no different for the athletes compared to the non-athletes. It was concluded that although the amount of overestimation of %BF has been reduced by the new RJL equations compared to the old RJL equaitons, the new equation still significantly overestimated %BF in lean males. Organizations and athletic teams that use bioelectric impedance to determine %BF should be aware of the potential for overestimation in lean individuals and use bioelectric impedance results with caution. © 1992 Journal of Applied Sport Science Research. All rights reserved.

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

Original Publication Date

1-1-1992

DOI of published version

10.1519/00124278-199208000-00004

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