Does a Novice Technician Produce Results Similar to That of an Experienced DXA Technician When Assessing Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density?

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is a commonly used clinical assessment tool for body composition and bone mineral density, which is gaining popularity in athletic cohorts. Results from body composition scans are useful for athletic populations to track training and nutritional interventions, while bone mineral density scans are valuable for athletes at risk of developing stress fractures due to low bone mineral density. However, no research has ascertained if a novice technician (accredited but not experienced) could produce similar results to an experienced technician.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry positioning protocols in assessing body composition: A systematic review of the literature.

Objectives: To systematically identify and assess methods and protocols used to reduce technical and biological errors in published studies that have investigated reliability of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for assessing body composition.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: Systematic searches of five databases were used to identify studies of DXA reliability.

Investigating the level of agreement of two positioning protocols when using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition.

Background: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a commonly used instrument for analysing segmental body composition (BC). The information from the scan guides the clinician in the treatment of conditions such as obesity and can be used to monitor recovery of lean mass following injury. Two commonly used DXA positioning protocols have been identified-the Nana positioning protocol and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Reliability and Precision of the Nana Protocol to Assess Body Composition Using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

The Nana positioning protocol is widely used to position participants to minimize technical error when undertaking body composition scanning and analysis with a Dual energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) machine. Once biological and technical errors are accounted for, the only variation in test-retest results is from statistical fluctuation or machine error. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the test-retest reliability of the Nana positioning protocol and establish the smallest real difference percentage (SRD%).