Precision Monitoring of Body Composition in Strength Athletes
Keywords:
Abstract
Accurate measure of body composition is an important element in strength and bodybuilding sports, for which small differences in fat mass and fat-free mass have a significant influence on the optimization of performance, recovery, and competition results. Traditional gold-standard techniques, such as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Underwater weighing (UWW), are highly accurate but may be constrained in availability, cost and feasibility for repetitive assessments necessary in sporting environments. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), especially advanced multi-frequency and segmental methods, represents a valid, fast and non-invasive alternative, which is able to provide reproducible results under controlled conditions. The purpose of the present article is to summarize current knowledge and to highlight this information based upon evidence from comparative studies with BIA, DXA, and UWW in relation to methodological approach, effects of hydration status, training load as well as between algorithm differences on accuracy and on our ability to individualize nutrition and/or training strategies. The focus is on the incorporation of BIA into athlete monitoring systems and its utility for longitudinal tracking, assessing asymmetry between body sides, and providing real-time feedback during competition preparation. Results suggest that if implemented properly and regularly calibrated to reference methods, BIA can be a keystone technology in high-level sports science for practical solutions to individual physique optimization, health maintenance and data-informed coaching decision-making.
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