URMC / PEAK Lab / Equipment and Services / Body Composition Assessment
Body Composition Assessment
Basic body composition can be expressed as the relative percentage of body mass that is fat and fat free tissue. It is well established that excess body fat, particularly when located centrally around the abdomen, is associated with hypertension, the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, stroke, coronary artery disease, and hyperlipidemia. The PEAK Human Performance Clinical Research Core Laboratory offers several methods of assessing body composition and anthropometry.
Bioelectric Impedance (BIA)
The RJL bioelectric impedance analysis system is also available to assess body composition outcomes (e.g., reactance, resistance, total body water, intracellular
water, extra cellular water, fat mass, lean mass, skeletal muscle mass).
Anthropometry
The PEAK Human Performance Clinical Research Core Laboratory has a supply of Gulick Measuring Tapes and protocols for accurate assessments of waist circumference, hip circumference and a wide variety of additional anthropometric locations.
Skinfold caliper
Skinfold assessments are measured with Harpenden or Lange skinfold calipers.