Journal article
How body composition techniques measure up for reliability across the age-span
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.114(1), pp.281-294
2021
PMID: 33829234
Abstract
Background:
Reliability of body composition measurement techniques is essential to the accurate reporting of intervention outcomes. However, the between-day precision error of commonly used techniques, as well as the reference multi-compartment model, in a population-representative sample are currently unknown.
Objectives:
To quantify technical and biological precision error of body composition techniques in comparison to the referent 4-compartment (4C) model.
Methods:
Men and women (1:1 ratio; 18–85 years old; n = 90) completed 2 consecutive-day body composition testing sessions, including individual components of the referent 4C model. Testing was undertaken in accordance with best practice guidance for each technique, including standardized presentation and a consistent time of day. Repeat measurements were conducted on day 1 for technical precision, and between-day measurements were conducted for biological precision quantification.
Results:
On average, all measurements met acceptable error limits and presented typically low technical and biological error [<2% fat-free mass (FFM) and < 3% fat mass (FM) precision error]. For technical precision of FFM, all techniques met a priori cut points (80%; CV = 0.45–0.81%). For FM, all techniques were equivalent to the best-rating method on average (CV = 0.78–1.35%), except air displacement plethysmography (CV = 2.13%). For biological precision, only 3-compartment (3C) and 4C equations sufficiently met the a priori determined cut point for estimates for FFM (CV = 0.77–0.79%), and only DXA met the 80% cut point (CV = 1.17%) for FM.
Conclusions:
The primary purpose of a study design is imperative when deciding on body composition assessment techniques used for longitudinal measurements. If reliable longitudinal assessments of FFM are central, a 3C or 4C model may be indicated. If FM is a primary outcome, DXA may be preferable. However, considering the low error rates presented within the current study across a broad age span of healthy adults with implementation of best-practice guidelines, any technique assessed here may be used, provided that strict protocols are adhered to.
Details
- Title
- How body composition techniques measure up for reliability across the age-span
- Authors
- Grace L Rose (Corresponding Author) - University of QueenslandMorgan J Farley (Author) - University of QueenslandGary Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - LegacyLeigh C Ward (Author) - University of QueenslandTina L Skinner (Author) - University of QueenslandShelley E Keating (Author) - University of QueenslandMia Schaumberg (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol.114(1), pp.281-294
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1093/ajcn/nqab046
- ISSN
- 1938-3207
- PMID
- 33829234
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health - Biomedicine; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99523408602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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