Lab 3: Reading

The objective of this practical session is for you to gain familiarity with several methods for assessing body composition and to obtain hands-on experience with some of these techniques. You will be measuring the ones highlighted. Methods of assessing body composition can be divided into the following categories: Anthropometric methods: body max index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip circumference, skinfold measurements Densitometry: hydrostatic (underwater) weighing, plethysmography (air displacement) Other techniques: bioelectrical impedance analysis, dual energy xray absorptiometry (DEXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Triceps, Biceps, Sub-scapular, SUPRAIILIAC/ ILIAC CREST, Abdominal Thighs

Triceps, Biceps, Sub-scapular, SUPRAIILIAC/ ILIAC CREST, Abdominal Thighs, Chest

Pros: Quick to do Can be done anywhere Inexpensive Cons: Not fully accruate Inasice Accuracy depends on the operatior

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a body composition assessment technique which is based on the estimation of total body water. Body water content is determined by passing a small electrical current through the body and determining the resistance to the electrical charge. Fat-free mass is more hydrated than fat mass and bone so that there is less resistance to electrical flow in a leaner individual.

Wipe hand plates and foot plates with disinfectant wipe Remove excess clothing, shoes, socks and anything from pockets Measure height (cm) using stadiometer

Pros: Non-invasive Quick Cons Can be affected by hydration and meals consumed before cant be done after a workout

represents the total energy expended by the body to maintain normal functions at rest such as respiration and circulation.

The percentage of total body mass made up of fat

Total weight of fat mass in the body

Comprised of bone, tissue, water and all other types of fat free mass in the body

Amount of water retained in the body. Generally, men higher water content than women due to greater amount of muscle.

Impedance reflects the body’s inherent resistance to an electrical current. Muscle acts as a conductor of the electrical resistance, adipose tissue acts as a resistor.

a non-invasive imaging technique that is used within research and clinical practice to examine many anatomical and physiological factors.

Pros: Highly accurate and detailed non invasive Procides detailed images of the physiology Cons Very expensive Requires people with pacemakers to take them out cant be done if the person is too big for the.machine or has a metal replacement

Measurement precision hinges up on accurate body volume assessment as body mass is easily measured.

Pros: Accurate for overall density Non-invasive Cons: Does not provide regional composition data very broad

Body volume can be measured by weighing subjects under water

Pros: Very accurate for body fat percentage Gold standard Cons: Can only be done in a lab session Not suitable for everyone (e.g., claustrophobic individuals)

Body volume can be measured by air displacement

Pros: Non-invasive Quick Cons: Expensive equipment Sensitive to movements

Body mass index is used to assess body mass relative to height Body Mass/Height

Waist circumference is a simple method for assessing the amount of fat stored around the abdomen. Waist circumference is typically taken as a horizontal measure at the narrowest part of the torso (above the umbilicus (belly button) and below the xiphoid process bottom of ribs))

Pros: Simple to measure Good for large population studies Cons: Does not measure body composition directly