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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 12(4): 1315-1321, 2019. Body composition testing is completed in human performance laboratories, local health clubs, and many other locations each day. Maintaining proper technique is required to make sure the results are reliable and valid. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional clothing (spandex shorts and sports bra) and non-traditional clothing (Capri-length spandex pants and sports bra) in females while utilizing the Bod Pod to determine body composition. Nineteen female participants ages 18 - 25 years (Mage = 21.2 years) performed two Bod Pod tests either wearing traditional or non-traditional clothing when completing the test. Measured variables included percent body fat, body volume, body density, fat mass and fat-free mass. Results indicated percentage of body fat was greater when wearing spandex shorts with a mean difference of 0.84%, and body density was greater when wearing capris relative to shorts, with a mean difference of .002 g/cm2. A Bland-Altman plot was used to reveal any variability about the mean for individual participants MTGV and PTGV and the averages of each. Reliability of the Bod Pod does not appear to be compromised by clothing; however, wearing Capri-length spandex pants results in a statistically significant reduction in body fat percent estimations by just less than 1%, compared with the recommended spandex shorts.

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