Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the old and new RJL bioelectric impedance equations for determining percent body fat (BF) to hydrodensitometry in a sample of lean male athletes and non-athletes. Subjects were 10 track athletes, 10 bodybuilders and 10 non-athletes. All subjects were under 12 percent body fat as determined by hydrodensitometry. In addition to hydrodensitometry, BF was determined using bioelectric impedance and old (BIA-1) and new (BIA-2) equations used in the manufacturers software. Results indicated that the new RJL equations significantly overestimated BF compared to hydrodensitometry by three units of BF in all groups. Results also indicated that the amount of overestimation was not different for the athletes compared to the non-athletes. It was concluded that although the amount of overestimation of BF has been reduced by the new RJL equations compared to the old RJL equations, the new equation still significantly overestimated BF in lean males. Organizations and athletic teams that use bioelectric impedance to determine BF should be aware of the potential for overestimation in lean individuals and use bioelectric impedance results with caution. Verf.-Referat