An Examination of body composition measurement methods in children

An Examination of Body Composition Measurement Methods in Children by Robert Kaplan Dr. Lawrence Golding, Examination Committee Chair Distinguished Professor of Exercise Physiology University of Nevada, Las Vegas INTRODUCTION: Body-composition methods include underwater weighing (UWW), skinfold thickness (SKF), bioelectrical impedance (BIA), and the BOD POD. Although these techniques are used routinely, each has its inherent limitations, especially in children. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the various methods of body composition in children. METHODS: The body composition of 7 boys between the ages of 12-14 (13.1 +/1.1 years) was determined using the BOD POD, UWW, SKF, and BIA. RESULTS: Percent body fat estimated from the BOD POD (21.9 +/7.8%BF) was not significantly different than the estimated percent fat from UWW (21.8 +/7.3%BF). CONCLUSION: The strong relationship between the BOD POD and UWW in this study suggests that the BOD POD is a valid method of measuring body composition in children.