Biometric Analyzer inaccuracies
Just wondering if anyone has ever played around with the handheld analyzer, I put in some modified information about myself (making myself younger and older) to see how different the results would be and there was a big difference in the bf reading. While we all know that we tend to have higher bf percentages as we age, it shouldn’t assume that and use that in its calculations. Its almost worthless I guess but the most useful technique I know to use at health fairs and other public venues.
Your input?
Hello Kim,
Most of my clients go by performance improvement and smaller body measurements instead of fat percentages. I use the skin fold calipers for clients who agree to fat testing.
Any device you choose will give you a baseline of that client, as opposed to you playing with data entries.
Take care.
Hello Kim,
We use OMRON HBF-306C. And I have played around with the age… I entered my age less 10 years and it drops my fat percent lower by 3-5%.
I’m sure the programmers used an algorithm that assumes we get less active and fatter as we age. 🙁
As one tool of many to use for an evalutation…I always state that it can have a +/- of 5%
I Hope this Helps,
Michael
P.S. On another note…I noticed your photo has your head cropped off as well as mine and many other members. I have contacted IDEA about this site issue and my response has been lack luster.
May I suggest you drop a line to IDEA about this issue…I think they need to hear from more members before they will fix this issue. Pass it on..
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IDEA FitnessConnect E-mail: [email protected]
Hi Kim,
I mainly use skinfold calipers, but in some cases I do use the handheld biometric analyzer. The biometric analyzer is good way to track and keep record of a client’s progress as long as each assessment is consistent. Be aware that research shows the biometric analyzer can have a +/- up to 14, depending on your clients hydration level, if they have jewlery on, grip/arm position, etc.
Hope this helps
You have to remember that the original formulas used to approximate individual body fat were based on actually body fat measured in a population over an age variable, for example the Jackson-Pollack measure. So that the calculations used in most body fat devices use these older formulas as a reliable base line variable.
It may be a good tool for the purpose of your health fair use, but it may not be what you are looking for personally.
