Body Composition Analysis Written Report Assignment

Discuss the strengths, limitations, accuracy, and factors affecting the accuracy of the methods used to determine body composition – underwater weighing, BOD POD, DEXA, bioelectrical impedance, and skinfold.Describe the methodology of each method.

Report is due on/before May 5, 11:59 PM. Paper must be submitted electronically through Blackboard.

Use original researchpapers (not an abstract, summary, commentary or editorial) from scientifically based journals (Journal of the American Dietetic Assn., New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Assn., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Journal of Nutrition Education, American Journal of Public Health, etc.).

Use the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reference style. Avoid using references more than 5 years old.

Your essay will be checked for plagiarism using the Turnitin Software. Students who submit papers with 25-30% similarity (plagiarism) will be issued a warning. Points will be deduced from papers with a similarity of 31% of greater. Five points will be deducted for 31-40%, 10 points for 41-50% and 15 points for 51-59% similarities. Papers with a similarity of 60% or greater will not be graded.

Written Report                                                                                              Points

Cover sheet & title                                                                                                                         2

Purpose: clearly defined and stated                                                                                       5

Methods: describe the methods used                                                                                   15

Results: accuracy of each method, statistical data                                                            10

Discussion: analyses, interpretation, reasoning, logic,

strengths, limitations, conclusion, recommendations                                                    10

References: format, accuracy, recent                                                                                     3

General format                                                                                                                                 5

Total                                                                                                               50

Written report general format will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Clarity, brevity, simplicity
• Spelling , grammar, punctuation
• Neatness, legibility
• Ability to follow specified guidelines
• Skill in interpretation and analysis