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Fat-free mass in Japanese boys predicted from bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables
H K Kim1, K Tanaka, F Nakadomo
1Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Insights
Researchers developed a precise prediction equation for estimating fat-free mass (FFM) in Japanese boys using bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric data. The recommended equation offers high accuracy for practical use in this population.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Accurate estimation of fat-free mass (FFM) is crucial for assessing body composition and nutritional status in children.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometry are non-invasive methods for body composition assessment.
- Developing population-specific prediction equations is necessary due to variations in body composition across different ethnic groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the optimal prediction equation for estimating FFM in Japanese boys aged 9-14 years.
- To identify the most effective combination of bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables for FFM prediction.
- To provide a practical and accurate tool for assessing FFM in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A total of 141 Japanese boys (aged 9-14 years) participated in the study.
- Fat-free mass (FFM) was determined using underwater weighting (UW) as the criterion method.
- Multiple regression analyses were employed to develop and validate prediction equations using variables such as impedance index (ZI), body mass (M), and abdominal skinfold thickness.
Main Results:
- The combination of ZI (height²/impedance), body mass (M), and abdominal skinfold thickness yielded the best prediction results.
- The final prediction equation achieved a high adjusted R² ranging from 0.949 to 0.975.
- The standard error of the estimate (SEE) for the developed equations ranged from 1.50 to 2.10 kg.
Conclusions:
- The recommended prediction equation, FFM = 0.56ZI + 0.20M + 1.66, demonstrated high precision (adjusted R² = 0.971, SEE = 1.59 kg).
- This equation is practical for estimating FFM in Japanese boys, considering measurement ease.
- The findings provide a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians assessing body composition in young Japanese males.
Objective:
To develop the best prediction equation for estimating fat-free mass (FFM) from bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric variables in Japanese boys.
Subjects:
141 boys, aged 9-14 years, were recruited from elementary schools managed by Osaka City.
Methods:
FFM was calculated from underwater weighting (UW) using a two-component model. Prediction equations were developed using multiple regression analyses. Adjusted R2 and standard errors of the estimate (SEE) ranged from 0.831 to 0.854 and from 1.25 to 1.80 kg in the validation group (n = 84), and ranged from 0.817 to 0.912 and from 1.27 to 1.86 kg in the cross-validation group (n = 57), respectively. The validation group and cross-validation group were combined in order to develop a more stable prediction equation with a greater sample size (n = 141).
Results:
The variables ZI (height2/impedance), body mass (M) and abdominal skinfold thickness were found to be the best combination of predictors. Adjusted R2 and SEE for finally developed regression equations ranged from 0.949 to 0.975 and from 1.50 to 2.10 kg.
Conclusion:
As a result of all analyses and considering the practicability of the measurement, we recommend the equation FFM = 0.56ZI+0.20M+1.66, with an adjusted R2 of 0.971 and SEE of 1.59 kg, which can predict FFM with high precision in Japanese boys.