|
BodyMetrix (Ultrasound) |
DXA, CT, & MRI |
Skinfold Calipers |
Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) |
Near-infrared |
Underwater Weighing |
Air Displacement |
BF% Accuracy |
 |
|
Difficulty obtaining proper skinfolds on obese, children and elite populations |
Varies based on hydration, alcohol and caffeine levels |
Only uses one measurement site |
|
|
BF% Accuracy |
|
|
Can vary between assessors based on experience and technique |
Varies based on hydration, alcohol and caffeine levels |
Stray light can cause errors |
|
|
Actual Fat/Muscle Thickness |
|
|
Only estimates skinfold thickness |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Expertise |
|
Requires certified technician |
Requires trained specialist |
|
|
Requires trained specialist |
Requires trained specialist |
Comfort |
|
DXA and CT involve limited radiation exposure |
Painful pinching |
|
|
Requires full underwater submersion for up to 15 sec. multiple times during assessment |
Requires up to 5 min. in small sealed chamber. Must wear minimal form-fitting clothing and shower cap. No eating or exercising for 2 hours before test |
Portability |
|
X |
|
Some non-segmental models are portable |
|
X |
X |
Price |
$ to $$ |
$$$$ |
$ |
$ to $$$ |
$$ |
$$$ |
$$$ |
