Is bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy accurate in estimating changes in fat-free mass in judo athletes?

J Sports Sci. 2012;30(12):1225-33. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2012.692481. Epub 2012 Jun 14.

Abstract

Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) provides an affordable and practical assessment of fat-free mass (FFM). However, little information is available on the assessment of changes in fat-free mass in top-level athletes using BIS. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of BIS in tracking changes in fat-free mass of elite male judo athletes from a period of weight stability to just before competition, using the four-compartment model (4C model) as reference method. In total, 27 elite male judo athletes (age 22.2 ± 2.8 years) were evaluated. Measures of body volume assessed by air displacement plethysmography, bone mineral content by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and total-body water assessed with deuterium dilution were used in a 4C model. Fat-free mass was also assessed by BIS (FFM(BIS)). Changes in FFM(BIS) were not significantly different from measured by the reference method (P = 0.000). Furthermore, the r² was 0.62 and the standard error of the estimate was 1.03 kg. The limits of agreement ranged from -3.36 to 2.59 kg with no bias observed. These findings demonstrate the viability of BIS as a valid tool for tracking fat-free mass in elite male judo athletes. However, based on the wide limits of agreement observed, BIS is less valid at an individual level for tracking fat-free mass in these athletes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Fluid Compartments*
  • Dielectric Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Electric Impedance
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Martial Arts*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Young Adult