Changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine changes in dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition scores in females following exercise-induced body fluid redistribution. Methods: Thirty females completed sessions of upper-body exercise (UBE), lower-body exercise (LBE), and a seated control (NEC), and body composition was assessed before and after sessions. ANOVA computed interactions between experimental conditions and body composition measurements. Results: For the arms region, fat tissue showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.56 ± 0.20%; p = 0.009) and UBE (M = 0.68 ± 0.18%; p = 0.001). The fat region showed mean differences for NEC (M = 0.54 ± 0.19%; p = 0.007) and UBE (M = 0.59 ± 0.17%; p = 0.002). The UBE showed mean differences for tissue (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), lean mass (M = 0.19 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001), and total mass (M = 0.24 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). The legs region showed for UBE a mean difference for fat tissue (M = 0.32 ± 0.14%; p = 0.025), fat region (M = 0.31 ± 0.13%; p = 0.026), and lean mass (M = 0.17 ± 0.07 kg; p = 0.021). For the total body region, significant mean differences were found for UBE (M = 0.11 ± 0.02 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.20 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001). Total mass for UBE (M = 0.14 ± 0.03 kg; p ≤ 0.0001) and LBE (M = 0.21 ± 0.03kg; p ≤ 0.0001) showed significant mean differences. Reliability scores were high within experimental conditions (CV = 0.17% to 3.76%). Conclusion: Exercise-induced body fluid redistribution in females elicited small and reliable changes in body composition scores.