Body composition measurement as an effective preventive measure and treatment of health conditions and weight control has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. Although there are numerous methods used today for measuring body composition, bioelectrical impedance analysis is particularly appreciated for its ease of use, portability, and inexpensive nature.
What is Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA)?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis, which is also referred to as bioelectrical composition analysis, is a quick and inexpensive tool that is used to measure body composition and how it can change over time. It was initially used by Lukaski in 1985 to measure lean body mass – however, the parameters that can be measured with this technique have greatly improved since then. It is currently one of the most popular body fat analyzers due to its ability to evaluate BIA body fat efficiently. Additionally, due to the increased awareness of the ease and inexpensive nature of this biometric impedance analysis system, BIA body composition is extensively studied in clinical trials today.
This technique allows you to measure the electric current, which is in alternating mode as it passes through the body. The current that is introduced into the body is mainly passed through the upper and lower limbs and flows through the body’s pool of water. Recent technological advances have also enabled measurement of body impedance composition using a wide range of frequencies, which can help differentiate body compartments more efficiently.
How does bioelectrical impedance analysis work?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis works by determining the impedance an electric current faces as it passes through the human body. It usually involves placing two electrical sources on the feet and the dorsal surface of the hand. This is accompanied by the placement of electrode sensors on other regions of the body, such as the prominence of the wrist and ankle. While the distally placed electrodes work by producing a 50 kHz frequency current, the medial end electrodes work by sensing any voltage drop as it passes through the body. The resistance, which is moved from the analyzer to the end, is then used to calculate the composition of the different components of the body.
What is the validity and reliability of bioelectrical impedance technology?
Reliability and validity are two important factors, which help determine how well a device is capable of measuring something and is an important requirement for test systems. While reliability determines the consistency of the readings each time the measurement is taken, validity determines the accuracy of the measurement. The accuracy and reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis have been tested in numerous studies over the years. One such study, which was conducted on male and female soldiers, used bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure body composition. The results of the study showed that bioelectrical impedance analysis is the most reliable and valid method among all the others used in the study.
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Body composition measurement using bio electrical impedance analysis
What is body composition?
Body composition analysis is a commonly used term in the fitness and health industries and helps determine the percentage of different elements found within the body. Evaluating these factors helps the doctor assess the individual’s current level of health and the potential changes that may need to be made to their lifestyle and diet. What differentiates body composition analysis from measuring your weight on the scale is that two people of the same weight may have different levels of fat and protein in their bodies. Since it is the amount of fat and protein in the body that determines an individual’s level of health, measuring one’s weight is sometimes not enough.
These measurements are also of particular interest to the nutritionist, as the measured body composition can provide information on the individual’s nutritional status, which can then help the nutritionist plan the diet according to their needs.
How does bioelectrical impedance analysis indicate body composition?
Electrical impedance, which is measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis, consists of two main factors known as Resistance and Reactance. While Resistance helps measure the body’s total water content, Reactance helps measure body cell mass. These measurements can then be applied to numerous equations, which can help determine body composition.
Parameters that can be measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis include:
- Body cell mass:
Body cell mass includes all cells, which can affect metabolism. These can include muscle cells, nervous system, and even internal organs.
- Body cell mass percentage:
This is the percentage of body cell mass, which is found in the lean body mass.
- Extracellular mass:
The extracellular mass includes all the cells of the body that are metabolically inactive and do not participate in the metabolism of the body.
- Lean mass:
Lean body mass contains all the cells in the body, which makes up the part of the body that does not contain fat. This includes the bones, vital organs, and water.
- Total body water:
Total body water is the measure of the amount of water in the body. This measure in healthy adult males ranges from 60 to 63%; on the other hand, it lies within the range of 52% to 55% in healthy adult females.
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How does bioelectrical impedance analysis help the individual achieve fitness goals?
By helping to evaluate components such as total body water, lean mass, body cell mass, and extracellular mass, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis can aid in the assessment of any changes in the organism that may be accompanied by a disease process or styles. unhealthy life. This can help the individual plan a diet or exercise program tailored specifically to his or her health needs.
Types of bioelectrical impedance analysis devices
Bioelectrical impedance scales
The four bioelectrical impedance scales help calculate the percentage of body fat along with the lean mass using some equations that have been introduced by the manufacturers. Commonly used bioelectrical impedance scales today include:
- Biodynamic: This is a single frequency device with a hand-foot machine that is accompanied by adherent electrodes.
- Tanita TBF-543: This is a foot-to-foot device, which uses a single bipolar frequency of 50 kHz.
- Tanita BC-545: This is a dual frequency device, which uses both 50kHz and 6.25kHz.
- InBody 520: This is a multi-frequency device that uses a combination of 8 electrodes arranged in a four-pole arrangement.
Managed BIA
Managed bioelectrical impedance analysis devices work by having the individual stand on a scale while holding the handles of the device at chest height. This allows the current to pass through the body, passing from one hand to the other. Some commonly used BIA devices with handles include the American weight and measure scale, QUELLO, and Rancho Santa Fe.
Whole body impedance devices
Whole-body impedance devices allow a small current to pass through the entire body, which often flows from the wrist of one side to the ankle of the other side. The corresponding voltage measurement follows, which is then used to calculate the impedance. These types of devices commonly use a combination of four electrodes, where two electrodes are used to send current into the body, while the other two are used to measure the voltage drop.
DSM-BIA
DSM-BIA is a digital body composition analyzer and involves the use of an analyzer, which measures the complete body composition in minutes. The diameters that can be measured by this device include weight, along with the compositions of Fat, Muscle, Protein, Water, Bone, Lean Mass, PBF, Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, and Total Body Water. Studies have found this method to be more effective in measuring lean body mass and also a valuable tool for measuring complete and segmental compositions.
BIA Tech a Visbody
Visbody is a very popular body composition analysis tool, which is known for its fast results and high accuracy. It is essentially a 3D body scanner , which allows the complete reconstruction of the body and helps the individual to fully understand the anatomy of their body and the different components within it. It also includes a highly effective bioelectrical impedance analysis tool that helps measure fat mass, lean body mass, protein mass, total body water, fat to muscle ratio, and basic metabolism rate in the body.
So unlike other technologies, you may not have to rely completely on the doctor to make you understand the BIA readings and results, but the three-dimensional body avatar, short scan time, and easily interpretable results make it very convenient for you too. .
