Recommended Revision Guide
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BTEC First in Sport
Unit 1: Fitness for Sport and Exercise
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Body Composition Testing
There are three body composition tests you need to know for this course.
The BMI, BIA and skinfold tests.
BMI
The body mass index provides a simple measure of body fat and can signify if a subject is overweight. The validity of the test for sports performers is questionable as it does not take into account muscle mass of the athlete, for example a muscular rugby forward would probably come out as overweight or obese.
Participants measure their height and weight and then complete the following calculations.
The participant uses this equation to calculate their BMI and then compare it the normative data table.
Body weight in kg divided by height in m x height.
The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis test.
This test gives a prediction of body fat. An electrical current is passed through the body and detects the difference between fat-free mass and fat mass. Muscles, bones and connective tissues conduct electricity, but fat mass does not. Therefore, if there is a weak electrical current it will equate to a higher percentage body fat.
The test only needs to place electrodes on the left hand and foot of the test subject, but there can be several problems with the validity of the test if the test is not conducted properly.
Participants must not exercise 12 hours prior to the test, cannot drink caffeine before the test and cannot eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.
The equipment is also expensive so is not always available to all athletes.
A link to the test being performed is included in the description below.
• Video
Skinfold Testing
Skinfold testing is another method for predicting percentage of body fat. Using skinfold callipers test subjects will have three measurements taken from specific sites on the right hand side of the body
Males skinfold sites include the chest, the thigh and the abdomen, whilst females test tricep, suprailiac (hip), and thigh.
The tester will pinch the skin between the thumb and index finger, mark the site with a pen and then record the measurement with the skinfold callipers. The measurement is performed three times and the average is used to compare on the nomogram.
A link to the test being performed is included in the description below.
Male Skinfold Testing
• 3-Site Skinfold (Male)
Female Skinfold Testing
• How to Perform the Ski...
So that summaries the three methods of assessing body composition. Don’t forget why coaches and athletes would use these tests in parallel to a training programme. Sports like boxing and martial arts have different weight divisions so a fighter will always have to keep an eye on their body composition leading up to competition.
In general, the lower a person’s percentage body fat the healthier and fitter they are, as people with higher a percentage body fat have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
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