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Article
Estimation of minimal wrestling weight using measures of body build and body composition
International Journal of Sports Medicine (1987)
  • W G Thorland
  • G O Johnson
  • C J Cisar, San Jose State University
  • T J Housh
Abstract

This study evaluated field methods for establishing minimal body weight in wrestlers baced upon estimates of fat-free body weight (FFB): 239 high school wrestlers were measured for height, weight, 13 diameters, 24 circumferences, and 7 skinfolds, as well as for underwater weight to determine body density and resultant FFB. To estimate FFB, anthropometric models were used which were bases upon diameters, circumferences, and/or skinfolds. Corrrelations between actual and predicted FFB were high, ranging from r = 0.89 to 0.92 for the models employing diameters and r = 0.96 for those employing circumferences, which respectively increased to r = 0.96 and r = 0.97 when body weight was included in theses models. The skinfold-based and mixed model estimates of FFB were r = 0.97 and r = 0.91 to 0.97, respectively. The corresponding total error (TE) in these estimates for the diameter-based models ranged from 6.54 to 3.80 kg (inclusion of body weight further reduced TE to 2.77 kg). Among the circumference models, TE ranged from 2.50 to 2.33 kg, with inclusion of body weight accounting for the lower value. Skinfold-based estimates of FFB demonstrated a TE level ranging from 2.48 to 2.33 kg. The lowest TE (2.32 kg) was demonstrated by a mixed model which included skinfolds, diameter, height, and bodv weight. Cross-validation of these new equations revealed the lowest TE values.

Disciplines
Publication Date
1987
Citation Information
W G Thorland, G O Johnson, C J Cisar and T J Housh. "Estimation of minimal wrestling weight using measures of body build and body composition" International Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 8 Iss. 6 (1987)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/craig_cisar/31/