TOBEC methodology for body composition assessment: a cross-validation study

The accuracy of prediction equations for estimating lean body mass (LBM) from total-body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) was examined by cross-validation. Two samples of adults, aged 18–35 yr, were drawn from separate geographic locations. LBM was determined by densitometry and TOBEC was measured with TOBEC II instrument. LBM and TOBEC were highly correlated in both samples (r = 0.96 and 0.97). Cross-validation of LBM prediction equations was accomplished by exchanging equations and comparing predicted LBM values. There was a mean difference of 0.974 kg LBM between the two equations (p less than 0.0001). Thus, data from 157 subjects were pooled and one equation was developed that incorporated height (cm), sex (males = 0, females = 1), and the zero-, first-, and second-order Fourier coefficients (FC0, FC1, and FC2) of the TOBEC phase value: LBM, kg = −36.410 + (−1.324 X sex) + (0.01185 X (FC1(0.5)xht)) + (12.347 X FC2(0.5)) + (0.0627 X FC0)-(0.9232 X FC2) This equation, developed from 157 subjects, accounted for 96% of the variability in LBM and had a standard error of estimate of 2.17 kg LBM.