A Comparison of Six Equations to Predict Fat-Free Weight with Bioelectrical Impedance Technique in Hong Kong Male University Students

The main purpose of the present study was to compare existing multiple regression BIA equations with the skinfold technique in male university students. The subjects in this study were 86 male university students aged 19-24 years. Body height, body weight, electrical resistance, electrical impedance, abdominal fold, chest fold, and subscapular fold were measured. Test-retest reliability within 7 days period of bioimpedance measurements was 0.93. Simple linear regression showed that body weight (BW) was the most significant predictor of fat-free weight (FFW) (r = 0.92; SEE = 2.10 kg). When BW and electrical resistance index were used in combination to predict FFW in the combined group, the multiple R increased to 0.95 with the SEE value decreased to 0.81 kg. The addition of height, electrical impedance, electrical resistance, body mass index and age to the prediction model contributed less than 1% additional variance and reduced the SEE value to less that 0.03 kg. The BIA equation of Oppliger (1991) was the most accurate equation when used in Chinese population. To conclude, BIA was a reliable and valid measurement in assessing FFW in Chinese male university students provided that an appropriate population-specific equation (Oppliger, 1991) was chosen.

本研究主要透過86名年齡由19至24歲的男性大學生，比較生物抗阻法和皮摺量度法在測量人體脂肪比率上的結果。測試內容包括：身高、體重、電 阻、抗阻、腹部皮脂、胸部皮脂、肩胛皮脂。結果顯示，只要使用合適的方程式計算，在量度香港男性大學生的脂肪比率上，生物抗阻法是一個可靠而準確的方法。