Issn Print: 0195-9131
Publication Date: 2002/05/01
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR THE ESTIMATION OF PERCENT BODY FAT IN FEMALE MASTERS SWIMMERS
G Tuuri; J M. Loftin
+ Author Information
Author Information: University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
Excerpt
The relationship of age with percent body fat in 35 adult female competive swimmers was compared using hydrodensitometry (HD), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and a four-component model (4-Comp). In addition, percent mineral and water in the fat-free mass was compared to subject age. Participants were healthy volunteers 21 to 73 years old. The 4-Comp model incorporated body density determined from HD, bone mineral mass measured by DXA, and body water estimated by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Mean percent body fat levels estimated by HD, DXA, and the 4-Comp model were 29.7/%, 28.2/%, and 29.1/% respectively. The observed relationship between age and percent body fat was strongest using HD (Rsq = .26, p = .01) while dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the 4-Comp model demonstrated smaller associations (Rsq = .18, p = .04; Rsq = .19, p = .03 respectively). Examination of method agreement using the technique of Bland and Altman revealed no difference in precision between HD and DXA (r = −.13, p = .45) but large amounts of error (SD = 4.01/%). The 4-Comp model compared to HD and DXA showed smaller errors (SD = 2.53/% and 2.94/% respectively). but revealed differences in precision (r = −.43, p = .01; r = −.55, p = .00 respectively). Evaluation of percent mineral and water in the fat-free tissue revealed significantly greater hydration in older individuals. Information regarding the association of body mineral with age could not be determined due to small sample size. The underlying assumption that body water remains constant appeared not to be valid for this group of adult female swimmers and may have contributed to differences observed between methods.
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