These Best Practice Guidelines aim to support Performance Support Practitioners within the Australian High Performance Sport System who may be interested in acquiring estimates of body composition via DXA. They provide higher level information for Practitioners to aid decisions relating to body composition assessment and subsequent interpretation, particularly for athletes in the NIN and NSOs. Detailed information is also provided on the critical role played by Practitioners in facilitating the capture of the highest quality data, especially as it relates to athlete guidance in advance of a scan.

Download

These Best Practice Protocols aim to support optimal assessment of body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of athletes in the Australian HP Sports System, particularly athletes associated with the NIN and NSOs. They are targeted to the DXA Technician (“Technician”) and provide information on acquisition and analysis of total body composition scans. This summary is specific to Hologic DXA machines, including the Horizon and Discovery. These protocols also contain important considerations for the Technician that are not manufacturer specific. These address relevant issues including radiation safety, precision error, hygiene practices, athlete engagement, informed consent, plus athlete preparation and presentation.

Download