[Body composition assessment by anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance].

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Human Biology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Anthropometry and electric impedance are common methods for body composition assessment.
• Current evidence is insufficient to determine if results from these methods are comparable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare body composition assessment between anthropometry and electric impedance methods.
• To evaluate the comparability of results obtained from different anthropometric equations and electric impedance.

Main Methods:

• Body composition was measured in 70 women (22-56 years) and 53 men (24-54 years).
• Measurements included anthropometry (Durning/Womersley and Jackson/Pollock skinfolds equations) and foot-to-foot electric impedance.
• Percentage body fat was calculated using both methods.

Main Results:

• Both anthropometric methods yielded significantly higher body fat percentages than electric impedance in men and women.
• Durning/Womersley showed higher percentages than Jackson/Pollock and electric impedance.
• While correlations were high (r>0.77), concordance for obesity classification was low (K<0.5).

Conclusions:

• Anthropometric methods generally report higher body fat percentages compared to bioelectrical impedance.
• Significant differences exist between methods, particularly between sexes.
• Anthropometry and electric impedance methods are not directly comparable for body composition assessment.