Effect of maximal exercise on percent body fat using bioelectrical impedance analysis in active males

Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of maximal exercise on percent body fat (%BF) using bioelectrical impedance analysis in highly active male athletes at university. Design: The subjects of the study consisted of fifty-two (52) males with mean age of 21.68±1.66 years old, height of 164.46±5.21cm and weight of 57.69±6.61kg. All of the subjects joined the study voluntarily and were students in Akdeniz University School of Physical Education and Sport. Methods: All participants made two visits to the laboratory on separate days. On the first visit, anthropometric measurements were collected, orientation with the respiratory metabolic mouthpiece and treadmill was provided. During the second visit subjects exercised on a treadmill at different workloads in order to familiarize them to the treadmill. Percent body fat was assessed using a leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA; Tanita Model TBF-300A). BIA measures of %BF were obtained immediately before and within five minutes following the exercise test. Results: Differences were found between pre and post exercise bioelectrical impedance values. There is significant difference respectively in weight, BMI, Body fat Percent, impedance (p<0.001) and fat mass, fat free mass, total body water values (p<0.05). Conclusions: Maximal exercise can effect the bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement