Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 8

Contrast the four-component and two-component models of body composition assessment.

Step 1 of 2

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is one of the most widely accepted techniques for the assessment of body composition. In this method, an electric current at 50 ?A and a frequency of 50 kHz is applied to an extremity and resistance to that current is measured. The specific resistivity is proportional to the volume of the fat-free mass. The measured value gives an estimate of total body water and is used to estimate the percentage of body fatness. Data from BIA is used either alone or in combination with skinfold estimates to assess the body composition with accuracy.