Validity and Reliability of the BOD POD^® S/T Tracking System

Abstract

BOD POD^® self-testing (S/T) body composition tracking system is a practical assessment tool designed for use in the health and fitness industries. Relative to its parent counterpart, the BOD POD^® S/T has received little research attention. The primary purpose was to determine the validity of the BOD POD^® S/T against hydrostatic weighing and 7-site skinfolds. Secondary aim was to determine the within-day and between-day reliability of the BOD POD^® S/T. After a period of equipment and testing accommodation, volunteer's (N=50) body composition (%BF) via 7-site skinfolds, BOD POD^® S/T, and hydrostatic weighing were obtained on the second and third visits. BOD POD^® S/T significantly overestimated %BF when compared to hydrostatic weighing and 7-site skinfolds. There was no statistical difference between 7-site skinfolds and hydrostatic weighing values. BOD POD^® S/T reliability within-day and between-days were high. While the BOD POD^® S/T body composition tracking system is deemed reliable both within-day and between-days, it did significantly overestimate %BF in comparison to hydrostatic weighing and skinfolds. Future research should be aimed at deriving a correction factor for this body composition assessment tool.

percent body fat - overestimation - bod pod

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