A comparison of bioelectrical impedance and skinfold measurements in determining minimum wrestling weights in high school wrestlers.

CONTEXT

Whether bioelectrical impedance and skinfold analysis can be used interchangeably to establish minimal wrestling weights (MWWs) is unknown. Using both methods in a particular program may result in the misclassification of some athletes.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the MWW calculated from skinfold measurements with those derived from 5 bioelectrical impedance equations and determine if the 2 methods could be used interchangeably for high school wrestlers.

DESIGN

Repeated measurements were obtained using bioelectrical impedance and skinfold analysis to determine MWWs. Data were collected during the preseason.

SETTING

High school.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred eight wrestlers (151 males, 57 females), aged 13 to 18 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The bioelectrical impedance analysis was conducted with the MWW protocol administered annually by certified athletic trainers. The resistance and reactance were used in 5 equations to investigate the level of agreement between bioelectrical impedance and skinfold analysis for determining MWW. The MWWs were based on a minimum body fat of 7.0% for males and 14.0% for females.

RESULTS

When comparing bioelectrical impedance and skinfold analysis, we found prediction error ranged from 1.51 to 2.34 kg for males and 0.27 to 9.16 kg for females.

CONCLUSIONS

To protect the health of the athletes and maintain competitive equity, a single method should be used to determine MWWs. Bioelectrical impedance and skinfold analysis cannot be used interchangeably to determine MWWs.