Comparison of Body Composition Measurements in Amputees vs. Non-Amputees

Abstract

Assessing body composition is important to provide information about nutritional status and health risks. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine if there is a significant difference in body composition depending on measurement method and if the discrepancy in measurement method is greater for amputees than for non-amputees. Methods: 23 subjects (12 lower limb amputees and 11 non-amputees) were matched based on sex, age, height, weight, ethnicity, and self-reported activity level. Subject’s body composition was assessed through Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) using a Lunar Prodigy whole body scanner (GE Medical Systems, Madison, WI), Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) using an OMRON (Bannockburn, IL) hand-held body fat analyzer, and the Skinfold Technique with calipers from Cambridge Scientific Industries, Inc. (Cambridge, Maryland). Results: 2-way ANOVA for % body fat by measurement method and percent body fatness showed a main effect for measurement method (p=0.02). Post hoc showed significant difference between BIA & DEXA (p=0.01). There was no interaction effect for measurement method and body fatness (average vs. above average) p=0.77. 2 way ANOVA for % body fat by measurement method and type of individual (amputee vs. non-amputee) showed a main effect for measurement method (p=0.03). Post hoc showed significant difference between BIA & DEXA (p=0.04). There was no interaction effect for measurement method and type of individual (p=0.70). Conclusions: There is a significant difference in body composition depending on measurement method. There is a trend for body composition to differ more by method for subjects with above average % body fat than for subjects with average % body fat. Likewise, there is a trend for body composition to differ more by method for amputees than for non-amputees.