Estimation of body composition has a significant role in athletes, not only for purpose of determining optimal body weight, but also for optimizing nutrition and sports performance, and monitoring the effect of training process. The aim of this study is to compare three commonly used methods for estimation of body composition in competitive rowers, air displacement plethysmography (Bod-Podtm), skinfolds (SF) and bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and to determine whether they can be used interchangeably. The study included 26 male and 6 female rowers from senior category. Body composition was estimated with air displacement plethysmography, skinfolds and bioelectrical impedance. Results of this study showed no significant difference in obtained average values of body fat percentage between the methods (SF 11,2 ± 6,8; BIA 10,2 ± 4,7; Bod-Podtm 10,8 ± 5,2, p=0,08-0,49), but also very wide 95% limits of agreement for all methods (SF vs. BIA -4,8 to 6,7 %; SF vs. Bod-Podtm -5,5 to 6,3 %; SF vs. Bod-Podtm-7,6 to 6,5 %). According to the results of this study it is recommended to use the same method for comparative estimation of body composition in rowers.
© Copyright 2016 Croatian Sports Medicine Journal. Croatian Olympic Committee. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.