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.