equipment required: Near Infrared Interactance is measured using a computerized spectrophotometer, which has a single, rapid scanning monochromator and fiber optic probe.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender and test conditions. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: This method uses the principles of light absorption and reflection to measure body fat. The measurement is taken on the person's dominant arm. A monochromator, or light "wand", sends a low-energy beam of near-infrared light into the biceps and penetrates the underlying tissue to a depth of one centimeter.
The energy is either reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, depending on the scattering and absorption properties of the biceps.
A detector within the wand measures the intensity of the re-emitted light.
Shifts in the wavelength of the reflected beam and a prediction equation are used to compute the percent body fat.
advantages: The measurement is safe and the equipment is portable and lightweight.
It requires little training to use.
disadvantages: This technique still lacks validation in humans, and may not accurately predict body fat across a broad range of fat levels.
It assumes fat is the arm is proportional to total body fat, which may not be true.
other comments: This method is based on what was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture to measure the body composition of livestock and the fat content of various grains.
products: Futrex: uses Near-Infrared light to directly measure percent body fat
There are over 300 fitness tests, so it's not easy to choose the best one. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use of each test. Use our guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. To keep up with the latest in sport science and this website, subscribe to our newsletter. We are also on facebook and twitter.
