The BOD POD Body Composition Tracking System, is an Air Displacement Plethysmograph (pluh–thiz-muh-graf), which combined with body weight allows the application of “gold-standard” whole-body densitometry to determine body composition (fat and fat-free mass) in adults and children. Unlike hydrostatic weighing where participants are required to submerge underwater, the BOD POD uses a comfortable egg shaped air chamber for highly accurate, fast, and safe results. The BOD POD also offers information on Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) as an optional component of every body composition test. This data is provided without requiring the subject to perform any additional testing maneuvers, and a complete assessment requires only about 5 minutes.
BOD POD Highlights
- Proven accuracy using whole-body density measurement.
- Uses a dedicated computer system with data management capability.
- Option to either directly measure a subject’s Thoracic Gas Volume (TGV), or use prediction equations.
- Provides information on fat and fat-free mass, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR), and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE).
- Fast test time (about 5 minutes).
- Accommodates a wide range of populations.
- Excellent repeatability.
- Safe, non-invasive, and ideally suited for repeated testing.
- Simple and easy for subject.
In comparison to other body composition assessment methods, the BOD POD’s air displacement technology has eliminated the invasive nature of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) as well as the difficulties associated with underwater submersion in hydrostatic weighing. This is why the BOD POD is considered the practical gold standard for body composition assessment. It can be used with most subject types, including special populations such as children, the elderly, the obese, and those with physical disabilities.
The roomy interior of the BOD POD accommodates a wide variety of human shapes and sizes, including those up to 7 feet tall and 550 pounds. This is because the unique egg-shaped design of the BOD POD maximizes interior space. This is why the BOD POD is used routinely for testing such a wide variety of subjects, including professional/collegiate athletes and sumo wrestlers! It’s also the exclusive body composition testing method of the NFL Scouting Combine.
The BOD POD’s precision, accuracy, and reliability have been validated through many independent research studies with various subject populations (see BOD POD Research), and in the field by leading universities, sports teams, fitness clubs, military organizations, and weight management centers.