Validity and reliability of body composition analysers in children and adults

Abstract

We tested the validity and reliability of the BioSpace InBody 320, Omron and Bod-eComm body composition devices in men and women (n 254; 21-80 years) and boys and girls (n 117; 10-17 years). We analysed percentage body fat (%BF) and compared the results with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in adults and compared the results of the InBody with underwater weighing (UW) in children. All body composition devices were correlated (r 0.54-0.97; P ≤0.010) to DEXA except the Bod-eComm in women aged 71-80 years (r 0.54; P = 0.106). In girls, the InBody %BF was correlated with UW (r 0.79; P ≤ 0.010); however, a more moderate correlation (r 0.69; P ≤0.010) existed in boys. Bland-Altman plots indicated that all body composition devices underestimated %BF in adults (1.0-4.8%) and overestimated %BF in children (0.3-2.3%). Lastly, independent t tests revealed that the mean %BF assessed by the Bod-eComm in women (aged 51-60 and 71-80 years) and in the Omron (age 18-35 years) were significantly different compared with DEXA (P <0.010). In men, the Omron (aged 18-35 years), and the InBody (aged 36-50 years) were significantly different compared with DEXA (P = 0.025; P = 0.040 respectively). In addition, independent t tests indicated that the InBody mean %BF in girls aged 10-17 years was significantly different from UW (P = 0.001). Pearson's correlation analyses demonstrated that the Bod-eComm (men and women) and Omron (women) had significant mean differences compared with the reference criterion; therefore, the %BF output from these two devices should be interpreted with caution. The repeatability of each body composition device was supported by small CV (<3.0%). © The Authors 2008.