Effect of musculoskeletal development on the prediction of body density in females.

The purpose of this study was to determine if musculoskeletal development had a significant effect on the prediction of body density in females. Subjects consisted of 156 females aged 17 to 44 years. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of musculoskeletal development as determined by the Heath-Carter Anthropometric Somatotype mesomorphy rating. Anthropometric measurements included eight skinfold measures (tricep, subscapula, chest, midaxillary, abdomen, suprailiac, thigh, and calf), body diameters of the humerus and femur, and circumferences at five locations (waist, forearm, upper arm, calf, and gluteal). Residual lung volume was determined by the closed circuit oxygen dilution method prior to the measurement of body density by hydrostatic weighing. A regression equation was developed to predict body density from the sum of seven skinfolds, sum of seven skinfolds squared, age, and mesomorphy rating. A similar regression equation was developed using the sum of three skinfolds, sum of three skinfolds squared, and the other variables. Results indicated that mesomorphy rating did not contribute significantly to the prediction of body density in females. It was concluded that musculoskeletal development did not have a significant effect on the prediction of body density in females.