摘要：Near-infrared light interactance (NIR) was first introduced in Croatia only a couple of years ago. That produced the need to assess its value in body composition assessment. The aim of this article was to review recent publications about NIR and draw conclusions about its application in various parts of the population, especially in athletes. Near-infrared light interactance uses reflection of near-infrared light from lean body mass to measure body density. It is simple, non invasive and comfortable. The measurement is taken at the mid-point of the dominant bicep in adults and subscapulary in children. From reviewed publications it is possible to conclude that skin fold thickness measurement remains the field method of choice in body composition assessment and that even bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) should be preferred over NIR. Near-infrared light interactance cannot, yet, be used for overweight and obese individuals, patients with chronic illnesses nor for children. In sports its application is restricted to female collegiate athletes and high school wrestlers. Other athletes should be analyzed with skin fold thickness measurement. The same is recommended for children, where it is possible to use bioelectrical impedance analysis. BIA is the preferred method for overweight and obese individuals and patients with chronic illnesses.
