Measurement and Prediction Errors in Body Composition Assessment and the Search for the Perfect Prediction Equation

Abstract

James S. Skinner and Thomas M. McLellan begin this section with a discussion of the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Discrepancies are identified in activities being defined as anaerobic and the relative importance and meaning of lactate concentration in the blood. Skinner and McLellan propose a hypothetical model to more accurately explain anaerobic activities. The second article, by Frank Katch and Victor Katch, contains a review of sources of error in body composition assessment by laboratory and field methods. Katch and Katch describe problems occurring in the use of hydrostatic weighing, residual air volume, skinfolds, and circumferences. In addition, the importance of statistical considerations is stressed, with an emphasis on the proper use of multiple regression techniques in conducting studies of the measurement of body composition.