Body Composition Methodology in Sports Medicine.

In brief Because of its noninvasive approach, anthropometry is one of the oldest and most popular methods of estimating body composition. However, this practical approach is often misused and misinterpreted by both clinicians and researchers. This article reviews the major methods for estimating body composition in various populations, with emphasis on anthropometry. Steps that will help clinicians select an appropriate anthropometric equation and reduce errors include using the same measurement procedures described in the original study and making sure the equation is based on a similar sample of 50 to 150 subjects in terms of age, sex, and activity levels.