Current status of body composition assessment in sport: review and position statement on behalf of the ad hoc research working group on body composition health and performance, under the auspices of the I.O.C. Medical Commission.
Ackland TR, Lohman TG, Sundgot-Borgen J, Maughan RJ, Meyer NL, Stewart AD, Müller W. Sports Med. 2012 Mar 1;42(3):227-49.
The ad hoc research working group on body composition health and performance, under the support of the I.O.C. Medical Commission, has released a comprehensive review and position statement regarding body composition assessment. The authors state “The choice of body composition technique often depends on the intended purpose for which data are to be used, as well as the available technology… Individual body composition goals should be identified by trained healthcare personnel (e.g. athletic trainer, physiologist, nutritionist or physician) and body composition data should be treated in the same manner as other personal and confidential medical information.” The article provides a comprehensive review of the various methods to assess body composition and notes that all of the techniques in common use have some drawbacks that need to be considered.
As of February 14th, a free copy of the article is not available online but may appear on the I.O.C. Medical Commision’s website. If you find another link with free access please let us know.