Air Displacement Plethysmography

Definition

Air displacement plethysmography is a method used to estimate body composition, specifically body fat percentage, by measuring the volume of air displaced by a person's body within a chamber.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is a technique for assessing body composition that calculates the ratio of body mass to volume by using whole-body densitometry. It involves placing a person inside a sealed chamber and determining body volume by measuring the amount of air displaced. The subject's body density is then calculated from their weight and volume, allowing for the estimation of body fat and lean mass percentages.

Benefits

• Provides accurate and non-invasive measurement of body fat percentage.
• Useful for tracking changes in body composition over time.
• Can be used for various populations including athletes, obese individuals, and the elderly.

Examples

Additional Information

• importance: This method is important for individuals and healthcare providers to accurately track body composition, which can inform nutritional and fitness decisions.

Related Terms

• Body Fat Percentage
• Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
• Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
• Hydrostatic Weighing

References

• Air Displacement Plethysmography in Health and Medicine
• Body Composition Assessment via Air Displacement