Graduate Program

Kinesiology and Sports Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2013

Thesis Director

Brian L. Pritschet

Thesis Committee Member

Mark S. Kattenbraker

Thesis Committee Member

John D. (Jake) Emmett

Abstract

Accurate methods for assessing body composition are important in evaluating health risk and fitness levels in individuals. Bioelectric Impedance Analysis has become a popular field method for assessing body composition because it is inexpensive, noninvasive, and easy to administer. The purpose of this study was to compare the activity level settings (Normal vs. Athlete) on the Omron HBF-306 bioelectrical impedance device to the criterion method, air displacement plethysmography, to evaluate the accuracy of the settings for college age females. It was hypothesized that the "Normal" setting would be more accurate for individuals described as normal by FIT index scores and that the "Athlete" setting would be significantly more accurate for individuals described as athletes by FIT index scores for estimating percent body fat while using the Omron HBF-306 BIA device in college age females. Thirty-five college age (18-32) females were divided into two groups, a normal group (n= 15), and an athlete group (n=20) based on FIT index scores calculated by quantified activity levels. All subjects completed a body composition assessment by air displacement plethysmography, and two BIA assessments using each activity level setting (Normal and Athlete). A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine differences among the body composition methods within each group. Pearson Correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between estimates of BF% from BIA vs. ADP. No significant differences were found between BF% estimates from the two activity level settings on BIA for both groups (NG, P = 0.449, AG, P = 1.00). Significant differences were found between BF% estimates from both activity level settings vs. ADP (P < 0.001 for both). A high positive correlation was found between BF% estimates from BIA vs. ADP. It was concluded that the selection of activity level setting on the Omron HBF-306 BIA device had no effect on the accuracy of predicted body fat percentage for college age females. The Omron BIA was not shown to be an accurate alternative method for ADP in the assessment of body composition. However, the Omron HBF-306 could be an efficient tool for tracking changes in body composition for college age females.

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