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Published on: May 8, 2014
Comparison of Body Composition Methods for Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Lower Limb Prosthesis Users
J D Smith1, G Guerra2, T B Symons1
1Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology, College of Education and Human Development, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Background:
There is a dearth of literature evaluating the accuracy of Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) compared to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing body composition in individuals with lower limb amputations. Validity of ADP in persons with lower limb amputations must be established.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare body composition in persons with lower limb amputations using the BOD POD® and DXA.
Methodology:
Body composition was performed on eleven lower limb prosthesis users (age 53.2±14.3 years, weight 81.9±22.3kg) using ADP and DXA with and without prosthesis.
Findings:
Repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant difference in body composition among and between trials, F(3,8)= 3.36, p= 0.075. There were no significant differences in Body Fat (BF) percentage with and without prostheses on the BOD POD (28.5±15.7% and 33.7±12.1%, respectively) nor the DXA (32.9±10.6% and 32.0±9.9%, respectively). Association between the BOD POD and DXA were greatest when prostheses were not worn compared to when they were worn. Bland-Altman plots indicate agreement between BOD POD® and DXA was greatest while wearing the prosthesis.
Conclusion:
This study is a first to compare total body fat percent between the BOD POD® and DXA in lower limb prosthesis users. BOD POD® report valid indices of BF%. Future work will utilize the BOD POD® in intervention studies for monitoring body composition changes across the continuum of rehabilitation.
