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Assessment of fat mass and skeletal muscle mass by means of conventional anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis

Abstract:

Aim: To determine fat mass and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) percentages in children by using two different methods (conventional anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]). A secondary purpose was to compare both methods for assessing body composition in this group. Methods: A total of 150 children (75 males; 75 females), aged 12-18 years, were recruited for the trial. Fat mass percentage was assessed by conventional anthropometric technique (Slaughter's equation) and BIA (Houtkooper's equation). Lastly, SMM percentage was determined by Poortman's formula. The Student t test for unpaired data was performed to compare mean values. Furthermore, the Bland-Altman plot was used for assessing the agreement between methods. It should also be pointed out that written informed consent was obtained from parents or legal representatives. Results: No significant differences were found when assessing fat mass percentage by different methods (p > 0.05). Regarding SMM percentage, a significant difference was found between males and females (p < 0.05). The Bland-Altman plot showed slight mean differences between methods in males. The best agreement between methods for assessing fat mass was found in females. Conclusion: Conventional anthropometry and BIA were not interchangeable for assessing fat mass in children given that the Bland-Altman plot demonstrated wide limits of agreement and a systematic proportional bias. Copyright © Sociedad Iberoamericana de Información Científica (SIIC), 2013.