Electrical bioimpedance allows you to analyze the body composition - fat tissue, muscle tissue, water content in the body and many others. Thanks to this, electrical bioimpedance has found application in dietetics, and even in the prevention and treatment of dangerous diseases, such as e.g. obesity, diabetes and hypertension. What is electrical bioimpedance and is it really safe?

Electrical Bioimpedance(BIA - Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) is a methodof body composition analysisthat uses electricity. This study makes use of the fact that the individual tissues of the body contain more or less water and therefore conduct electricity to varying degrees. During the test, the amount of muscle tissue, adipose tissue, visceral (abdominal) tissue, total body water, bone mass, daily energy requirements (in kcal or kJ), metabolic age and of course body weight are measured.

Electrical bioimpedance - what is this test?

The patient stands on a scale that contains electrodes. Then it sends weak current pulses to the body (its intensity is usually 0.8-1 mA, therefore it is practically imperceptible). There is also a second method of performing the examination, in the supine position. The patient lies on a special mat and disposable electrodes are placed on the skin of his hands or feet.

The cost of the visit, during which the test is performed, ranges from PLN 40 to PLN 100

Then the impedance is measured, i.e. the resistance of the body's tissues to current. Electrical impulses pass through muscle tissue and other tissues that contain a lot of water. In contrast, adipose tissue shows resistance because it contains very little water.

The bioimpedance measuring device works with a suitable computer program that performs all the calculations. Bioelectric impedance analysis requires the use of many detailed equations.

Electrical bioimpedance - application

The BIA method has found application in dietetics - in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. Depending on the results of the body composition analysis, the dietitian may change the menu of the person under his care.Even regularly weighing and calculating your BMI is not enough to monitor what is happening in your body. This is what the body mass analysis is for and it is what determines the success of dietary treatment.

Important

Electrical bioimpedance - standards

  • adipose tissue- in women it should constitute 15-25% body weight, while in men 10-20 percent. body weight (these are estimated values, they should be more precisely determined taking into account e.g. age). If the adipose tissue in women is more than 30 percent. body weight, in men - over 25%, then obesity is diagnosed
  • muscle tissue- the average muscle mass is 30 percent. body weight, but there are no clearly defined standards
  • body water content- a woman's body normally consists of about 55 percent. water. On the other hand, in the male body, it accounts for an average of 60 percent. body weight
  • bone mass- accounts for 12-13.5 percent adult body weight

The BIA method will also be useful for fitness trainers to create an exercise program. Thanks to it, they can control the decrease in the level of adipose tissue and the increase in muscle mass.

Electrical bioimpedance also allows you to test the content of visceral (visceral) tissue - fat tissue that accumulates in the abdominal cavity. Its excess increases the risk of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders or cardiovascular diseases (including hypertension). Therefore, BIA can constitute the basis for the prevention and treatment of these civilization diseases.

The BIA method gives very important information - about the ratio of muscle to fat

During the examination, bone mass is also measured, thanks to which it is possible to detect changes in bone mineralization and thus determine the risk of osteoporosis.

Electrical bioimpedance is also used in dialysis patients with chronic renal failure. In such patients, the degree of water elimination during dialysis should be individually adjusted to achieve the so-called "Dry weight". This is the lowest weight a patient can gain after hemodialysis without significant complications during dialysis and without symptoms of hypotension (hypotension) during dialysis. BIA is also used to assess the hydration and nutrition parameters of kidney transplant patients.

Electrical bioimpedance - how to prepare for a body mass analysis?

People who decide to analyze the body mass composition should not:

  • consume alcohol for 48 hours
  • perform intense physical exertionfor 12 hours
  • consume any drinks or food for 4 hours.
  • take diuretics for 7 days (if possible)
  • apply cream to feet for 12 hours

Electrical bioimpedance - contraindications

The analysis of body composition using this method is not performed in menstruating women, as well as in people with implanted pacemakers or metal implants.

Worth knowing

Electrical bioimpedance - is it safe?

Electrical bioimpedance is safe for the body-the current does not irritate the nerves or the heart muscle. So far, no adverse effects related to the BIA body composition analysis have been reported.

Bibliography:

Lewitt A., Mądro E., Krupienicz A.,Theoretical foundations and applications of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA),"Endocrinology, Obesity and Metabolism Disorders" 2007, volume 3, no.4

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Research