Relative adiposity in adults: comparison between two standardization of anthropometric measurements

Objective: to compare the relative adiposity estimated from variables measured with two different standardizations of anthropometric measurements. Methods: a cross-sectional and quantitative study developed with 36 subjects of both genders, with ages from 18 to 35 years (23.33 +/- 4.84) and regular performers of physical activities at a gym in the city of Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. The measurements of anthropometric variables were carried out in accordance with the technical standardization of the Anthropometric Standardization Reference Manual (Lohman, Roche and Martorell) and International Standards for Anthropometric Assessment (Esparza-Ros, Vaquero-Cristobal and Marfell-Jones) Body density was estimated using Petroski's multiple regression equations, corresponding to gender. The obtained value was transformed into relative adiposity by means of the Siri equation. Descriptive statistics were used. The Student's t-test was used with a significant value of p <0.05 and the paired test with effect size calculation. Results: in females, only the subscapular skin fold showed a higher mean value (p=0.02) for Esparza-Ros, Vaquero-Cristobal and Marfell-Jones standardization. Regardless of gender, no statistically significant difference was observed in body density and adiposity relative to comparing them with the standards investigated. Conclusion: in physically active adults of both genders, there was no difference with significance in the relative values adiposity, estimated from variables measured with two different standardizations of anthropometric measurements.