Body composition in dancers: the bioelectrical impedance method

Abstract

YANNAKOULIA, M., A. KERAMOPOULOS, N. TSAKALAKOS, and A.-L. MATALAS. Body composition in dancers: the bioelectrical impedance method. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 228 -234, 2000. Purpose: The aim of this study was to generate and validate a prediction equation for estimating the body composition in dancers using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as a method of assessment. Methods: The fat-free mass (FFM) of 42 young female professional dance students was estimated by four different methods: dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA, simple anthropometry, and skinfold thickness; DXA was used as a criterion method. Results: The dancers' FFM was 42.6 kg (SD: 3.3) and, on the average, body fat represented the 19.4% (SD: 4.3) of their body weight. Two dancer-specific BIA equations for the prediction of FFM (E BIA ) were developed by multiple regression analysis using weight, height, resistance index, and triceps as predictor variables (E BIA and E BIA-TRICEPS ). The validity of these equations as well as of those previously reported was assessed in two randomly selected subgroups of the initial study group, as described by the Bland-Altman analysis. The bias and the limits of agreement of the equations developed in the present study were lower than those resulting from the application of the previously used equations of Segal et al. and Hergenroeder et al. It was also found that, when validated against DXA, skinfolds measurements did not accurately predict body fatness in this group of young females. Conclusion:The new equations allow for an accurate routine assessment of body composition in young female dancers by using the method of BIA. Further studies are needed for the cross-validation of the equations in various groups of dancers.

Bioelectrical impedance phase angle in constitutionally lean females, ballet dancers and patients with anorexia nervosa

“…Few data have so far been reported on body composition in constitutionally lean patients and underweight dancers, indicating just a reduction in body fat (Young et al, 1994;Eliakim et al, 2000;Yannakoulia et al, 2000;Scalfi et al, 2001;Matthews et al, 2006;Bossu et al, 2007). The results of this study show that subcutaneous skinfolds and the percentage of body fat between the three groups of underweight patients (who had similar BMI) were largely comparable and that no differences emerged due to chronic underfeeding (anorectic patients) or regular physical exercise (dancers).…”

“…Whereas many studies have evaluated body composition in anorectic patients (Scalfi et al, 2002;Marra et al, 2005), only a few focused on ballet dancers (Young et al, 1994;Eliakim et al, 2000;Yannakoulia et al, 2000;Matthews et al, 2006) or constitutionally lean patients Germani et al, 2007), the results simply indicating a reduction of body fat. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, body composition has not been properly compared between these three different forms of underweight.…”

Fitness in Contemporary Dance: A Systematic Review

“…Male controls (weight-matched): BMD: 1.25 ± 0.1 g / cm 2 Total regional fat: 24.0 ± 5.7 % TLM: 56.412 ± 4.6 g Signifi cant diff erences in BMD, total regional fat Yannakoulia et al 2000 [59] elite female dance students n = [33] female students with experience in contemporary, ballet and rhythmic gymnastics n = 24 Sum-SF, calf circumference Experienced students: Sum-SF: 28.45 ± 8.2 mm Calf circumference: 36.42 ± 2.2 cm active female students with no previous experience in aesthetic disciplines n = 21…”

“…In the same sample of participants, using dual energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA), values for % BF ranged from 10.3 to 30.4 % . The fat-free mass (FFM), as determined by DXA, was 42.6 ± 3.3 kg (range 35.6 -50.1) [59] . Regarding diff erent level of dancers, it has been found that performing and recreational adolescent dance students do not signifi cantly diff er in % BF [38] .…”

Physique and Body Composition of Girls Practising Contemporary Dance

“…Pilewska et al's [15,22] research involved male and female dancers of the Latin style who were highly trained. Similar research was conducted using bioelectrical impedance on a group of professional dancers from a dance school in Athens by Greek researchers [23]. Researchers from Serbia, on the other hand, used bioelectrical impedance to determine BMI values and body fat levels in a group of female ballet dancers [24].…”