Abstract

The aim of this present study was to determine and validate the percent body fat through skinfold-thickness and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using hydrostatic (standardmethod) among male wrestlers in Ahvaz city. To do so, 25 male wrestlers were selectedrandomly (N = 60). Statistical analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient, paired T-test, standard error estimation (SEE) and total error (TE). The statistical analysisshows that the skinfold-thickness method used by Lohman for wrestlers has a significantdifference with hydrostatic method (standard method). Also, there was no significantdifference between wrestlers in terms of bioelectrical impedance and standard methodresults (TE = 0.0078, SEE = 0.0071, R = 0.871, P = 0.297). Findings suggest that using BIAis a more suitable method to measure wrestlers’ percent body fat.

Key words: Percent body fat, skinfold-thickness, bioelectrical impedance, hydrostatic.