Author/Authors :
Loenneke, Jeremy P Department of Health and Exercise Science - The University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA , Hirt, Kathryn M Cooper Aerobics, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA , Wilson, Jacob M Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance - University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA , Barnes, Jeremy T Department of Health Human Performance, and Recreation. Southeast - Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA , Pujol, Thomas J Department of Health Human Performance, and Recreation. Southeast - Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
Abstract :
Purpose: When assessing fitness levels, body composition is usually measured.
The purpose of this study was to determine the overall efficacy of a body mass
index (BMI) equation for predicting body composition with respect to college
aged participants.
Methods: Body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry (DXA) and was estimated using the Womersley and Durnin
BMI prediction equation.
Results: There was no significant (P=0.8) percent body fat (%BF) difference
between the BMI prediction equation and DXA (BMI Predicted=25 (10)
[min=6; max=52] %BF vs DXA=25 (6) [min=10; max=45] %BF). In addition, a
significant correlation was found between the two approaches (r=0.791,
P=0.001). However, both the standard error of estimate (6.32 %BF) and total
error (6.63 %BF) were outside acceptable ranges for prediction equations.
Conclusion: The Womersley and Durnin equation for estimating %BF was not
found to be a good estimate. Therefore, although the BMI predicted %BF has
been previously found to predict skinfold estimated %BF, it does not appear
valid in estimating %BF from DXA.
