Non-imaging method: Air displacement plethysmography (bod pod)

Abstract

Air displacement plethysmography is used to measure body volume. The Bod Pod (COSMED USA Inc., Concord, CA) is an easy-to-use, convenient, noninvasive device that can accommodate a large spectrum of athletic physiques, assessing fat and fat-free mass reliably and accurately. Estimates of body density are in close agreement to those using the hydrostatic weighing technique, with Bod Pod now considered the gold standard for assessment of body density in multicompartment models. It often underestimates fat mass compared to other physique assessment techniques; however, this may be due to poor standardisation practices. When undertaken in a well-controlled standardised manner, Bod Pod has proven to be an accurate and reliable technique for tracking physique changes over time. It is valuable in large athletes who may be more comfortable undertaking physique assessment via Bod Pod compared to other techniques where reliability in this population might be an issue.