ABSTRACT
Practitioners must be aware that results using the same method but with differing makes and models of assessment tool are also not able to be easily compared. For the practical examination of anthropometric body composition, the chapter describes the methods which focus on the cellular, tissue/system and whole-body sections. Three particular tissues that have associations with sporting performance are fat mass, lean mass and bone mineral content. Fat mass (FM) can be subdivided into either essential or non-essential tissues. Essential FM tissues are stored in the organs and bone marrow and entwine the central nervous system. Non-essential FM tissues can also be subdivided into both visceral and subcutaneous types. Lean mass (LM) is of great interest to practitioners given that, fundamentally, increases in individualised tissue can potentially lead to performance enhancement via improved skeletal muscle contraction in strength-, power- and speed-based activities.
