bioelectrical impedance pros and cons

However, studies that validate the accuracy of BIA exclusively in post-menopausal women are lacking. Wang D, Zhou H, Hu Y, Che Y, Ye X, Chen J, Fu J, Xu H. Front Public Health. It is unclear how many frequencies would be needed for a BIA device to be considered a BIS device, however, the principles behind how the devices work are the same. Exhale all the air present inside the lungs and then hold your breath 2-compartment: (e.g. 45, p. 865, 1987. C. Lukaski, W. W. Bolonchuk, W. A. Siders and C. B. It is important that these equations are validated using a total-body, water-based, four-compartment method, in an attempt to minimise the measurement error that is found when equations are based on the two-compartment model; such as hydrostatic weighing. what are pros and cons of bioelectrical impedance? 64, pp. A wide range of techniques are used in research to assess bone density and quality, but dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is likely to remain the standard procedure used in clinical practice for the foreseeable future for most patients, predicts the co-author of a recent review of imaging-based techniques for assessing bone in rheumatology. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Body composition in underweight elderly subjects: reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis. The . A low-level electrical current is passed through the body, and the resistance (impedance) to the current is measured. hypohydrated), indicating that even small changes in fluid balance that occur with endurance training may be interpreted as change in body fat content. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a relatively simple, quick and non-invasive technique, to measure body composition. We also outline alternative methods for estimating BPF. Also, most device makers recommend that pregnant people not use the products. MNT Exam 1. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. There are different types of BIA devices, but each requires two contact points. As electrical current follows the path of least resistance, some scales may send current through the lower-body only, missing the upper-body entirely. And some offer segmental fat analysis, meaning you can get body fat measurements for each leg, arm, and belly. In choosing BIA equations, it is important to consider the characteristics of the sample in which it has been developed and validated, since, for example, age- and ethnicity-related differences could sensitively affect BIA estimates. 85-92, 2007. E. Chouinard, D. A. Schoeller, A. C. Watras, R. Randall Clark, R. N. Close and A. C. Buchholz, Bioelectrical Impedance vs. Four-compartment Model to Assess Body Fat Change in Overweight Adults, Obesity, vol. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. For example, many BIA equations are validated against assessment methods such as hydrostatic weighing and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). BMI has become a standard health assessment tool in my radiation oncology office and many healthcare facilities. What is BIA? Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a valid method for the assessment of body composition. With all the being said about Bioeletric Impedance Analysis, there are pros and cons to this method of body fat assessment. J Hum Nutr Diet. J. Saunders, J. E. Blevins and C. E. Broeder, Effects of hydration changes on bioelectrical impedance in endurance trained individuals, Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, vol. Demura S, Sato S. Comparisons of accuracy of estimating percent body fat by four bioelectrical impedance devices with different frequency and induction system of electrical current. Sun et al., [8] stated that BIA is a suitable alternative for estimating body fat percentages when subjects are within a normal body fat range, however, there is a tendency for BIA to overestimate body fat in lean subjects and underestimate body fat in obese individuals. Estimates of body composition using BIA are facilitated using empirically validated equations, which consider variables including gender, race, height, weight, and age. Even though many factors can affect your reading accuracy, a regular BIA scale can show youchanges in your body fat over time. 77, pp. 4, pp. It is based on the difference in resistance when an electrical current is conducted through fat or lean components of the body. Bioelectrical impedance analysis - an electrical scale with a handle that uses an electrical current to measure body weight, . Impact of eating and drinking on body composition measurements by bioelectrical impedance. It does this by combining two measures: a persons mass or weight and their volume. Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used in research to assess body composition. . Most scales measure an estimate of your total fat, muscle, water, and bone in weight and percentage. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, Body fat percentage charts for men and women, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, When and how to measure weight accurately at home, Courtney Sullivan, Certified Yoga Instructor. 36, no. A. Bergsma-Kadijk, B. Baumeister and P. Deurenberg, Measurement of body fat in young and elderly women: comparison between a four-compartment model and widely used reference methods., British Journal of Nutrition, vol. Cons. Rder H, Kvrner AS, Henriksen C, Florholmen G, Henriksen HB, Bhn SK, Paur I, Smeland S, Blomhoff R. Clin Nutr. 42, pp. 434-440, 1990. Concordance between muscle mass assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: a cross-sectional study. MeSH Individual measures of body fat ranged from -3.6% to 4.8% of the four-compartment value, highlighting the potential for significant discrepancies when measuring individual body composition over time. As mentioned previously, there are several issues with BIA measurement that may limit its use in an applied setting. 2015 Mar 18;16:60. doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0510-9. It can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, fitness centers, and research studies. This finding is supported in other research on bodybuilders, showing that BIA underestimated fat mass, and overestimated fat-free mass when compared to the four-compartment model [10]. Bioelectrical impedance methods are often classified by the number of frequencies used for analysis, with BIA often referring to single-frequency devices, whereas multiple-frequency devices are referred to as Bioelectrical Spectroscopy (BIS) as it uses a spectra of frequencies [5]. 25, no. However, results can be affected by hydration levels, menstrual cycle, recent exercise and it doesn't provide specific information about body regions. It is important to note that this analysis utilised DEXA as the reference method, which may also lead to further error, as eluded to earlier in this review (read my article on the use of DEXA scanning for body composition assessment HERE). The lack of a validated equation for this population, combined with the large individual error reported in overweight and obese populations, suggest that BIA does not provide accurate body composition data for both single-measure and repeated measures. In bioelectrical impedance assessment a small alternating current (20 to 100 A, frequency ranging from 5 kHz to 200 kHz) is applied to the body and conducted by water and dissolved electrolytes in the body. This systematic review assesses the literature pertaining to BIA use in the detection of sarcopenia in adults with cancer. 407. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/407/1/012018. Hand-to-Foot BIA Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. TicWatch Pro 3 comes in at $300 but is often on sale. 15, pp. HUW works by comparing a persons weight on dry land with their weight underwater. 1017-1022, 1988. BIA sends a weak electrical impulse through the body. Background: Bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) is commonly used in research to assess body composition. BIA assumptions beyond its use for body composition are the human body is empirically composed of cylinders, FFM contains virtually all the water and conducting electrolytes in the body, and its hydration is constant. The reliability of BIA (the reproducibility of the observed value when the measurement is repeated) is also important to determine single-measurement precision, as well as the ability to track changes over time. Saunders et al., [18] showed that BIA was not a suitable method of body composition assessment in athletes with abnormal hydration status (e.g. BMI also does not take into account a persons muscle mass. BIA is an alternative to more invasive and expensive methods like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Based on that rate, a calculation is used to estimate fat-free mass. The validity (the agreement between the true value and a measurement value) of body composition is key to determine the precision of BIA measurement, and its suitability for clinical use. Such scales work with the help of sensors underneath your feet that use bioelectrical impedance. Find out more and use our tools to get a better idea of weight, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. While "bioelectrical impedance analysis" sounds technical, BIA devices use straightforward technology. Inexpensive: BI devices are relatively inexpensive and can be used multiple times. Deurenberg, J. 77, pp. . R. Segal, J. Wang, B. Gutin, R. N. Pierson and T. Van Italie, Hydration and potassium content of lean body mass: effects of body fat, sex and age, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. Regardless, all devices are still subject to the same limitations that other BIA devices are. National Library of Medicine If either value is higher than average, a person should see their doctor. Charlie has an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University.