Body composition and anthropometric measurement. There is evidence that research and interest in body composition was explored centuries ago by archimedes though most of the research data that is available on human body composition has been completed in. Ongoing efforts involve multisegmental and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis quantitative magnetic resonance for total body water fat and lean tissue measurements imaging to further define ectopic fat depots. In adults measures of body dimensions and mass are used to represent nutritional status directly. 1body composition unit st. Oftentimes body measurements and proportions of lean and fat mass can shift while weight remains relatively unchanged.
Fetal growth is assessed by anthropometric measurements of body weight length circumference head chest abdomen and weightlength ratio or ponderal index weight gramslength cm 3 as well as changes in body composition eg fat to lean body mass ratio. The accurate measurement of learn body mass is now the most rational basis for nutritional and exercise prescriptions. Body composition measurement methods are continuously being perfected. Anthropometric variables particularly weight and height are the most commonly employed measures of nutritional status in epidemiologic studies due to their simplicity and ease of collection. Along with the number on the scale progress of nutrition and exercise interventions can be evaluated using changes in body composition. Methods body weight and height were measured in 898 athletes 264 female 634 male anthropometric variables were assessed in 798 athletes 240 female and 558.
The importance of clinical body composition is now being recognized. Background despite the importance of body composition in athletes reference sex and sport specific body composition data are lacking. Lukesroosevelt hospital columbia university new york new york 10025 usa. Among various anthropometric measurements the bmi tends to overestimate body fat and is not sensitive for detecting small changes in body composition 102104. To compute the absolute size of the major body compartments such as lean body mass and adipose mass. We aim to develop reference values for body composition and anthropometric measurements in athletes.
Jw9 at columbiaedu anthropometry is a simple reliable method for quantifying body size and proportions by measuring body length width circumference c and skinfold thickness sf. In addition the calculation used to determine bmi bm kg height 2 m 2 as an estimate of body fat mass may not apply to people outside the normal ranges of body weight muscle mass total body water or height.