Bioimpedance analysis
History: Where does bioimpedance analysis come from?
Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) originally came from medical research and was developed in the 1960s and 1970s.
The first treatments were used in the USA in the field of space medicine and clinical nutrition to quickly and non-invasively record the body composition of patients and astronauts.
Portable devices came onto the market in the 1980s, allowing the method to spread worldwide.
How it works: How does bioimpedance measurement work?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measures the electrical resistance (impedance) of the body.
As different types of tissue such as water, fat and muscle conduct electricity differently, the individual composition of the body can be calculated using standardized formulas.
Typical parameters that are determined are fat mass, lean mass, body fat, body weight, water content, body cell mass and the phase angle as a marker for cell health.
The distinction between fat mass and fat-free lean mass is particularly meaningful, as it provides information on physical fitness and nutritional status.
Procedure: What is done during bioelectrical impedance analysis?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis is carried out in underwear or light clothing by applying electrodes to the hands and feet or via special measuring plates.
A weak, imperceptible alternating current flows through the body and measures the electrical resistance of various tissues.
As water, fat and muscle mass conduct the current differently, conclusions can be drawn about body composition.
Indications: When is bioimpedance measurement used?
Bioelectrical impedance analysis is used for treatment in nutritional counseling, sports medicine, prevention, rehabilitation and in everyday clinical practice, as well as for obesity, malnutrition, fluid regulation and training evaluation.
Training and therapy progress can be objectively tracked, particularly in combination with long-term progress. A study by Kyle et al. (2004) from the University of Lausanne in 2004 shows how reliable the measurement results are when the correct procedure is followed.
However, the method is not yet reliable enough for more precise statements, for example on body cell mass, the distribution of body water or health problems.
Bioimpedance analysis is suitable for
- People with weight problems (overweight or underweight)
- Active athletes and competitive athletes
- People with chronic illnesses
- Rehabilitants after operations or therapies
- Health-conscious people for monitoring progress
Contraindications: Is bioelectrical impedance analysis dangerous?
Bioimpedance measurement is usually harmless, but must not be carried out on people with implanted electronic devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.
It is also not suitable for pregnant women or those with acute infections. For accurate results, it is important that the analysis is carried out on an empty stomach.
Conclusion
The most important facts about bioimpedance analysis at a glance
- 1. The bioimpedance measurement measures body fat, muscle mass, water content and cell quality.
- 2. Valuable data for diagnostics, prevention and therapy is generated by the precise recording of body composition.
- 3. Thanks to its quick, painless and non-invasive implementation, the method can be used flexibly in everyday life.
- 4. Individual training and nutrition plans benefit from the objective results of the analysis.
- 5. It is unsuitable for wearers of electronic implants and during pregnancy.
FAQ - Further questions about bioimpedance analysis
Yes, because it provides a sound basis for therapy decisions, nutritional strategies or training adjustments and allows a differentiated assessment of the state of health. Particularly in the context of medically supervised weight reduction, the measurement method provides valuable information on whether the loss of body mass primarily affects the desired proportion of fat or whether important tissues such as muscles are also affected. This allows targeted countermeasures to be taken and the therapy to be individually optimized.
Depending on the provider, the price is between 20 and 60 euros per measurement. Some health programs or XXX DELETE XXX subsidize the analysis.
When carried out professionally and under standardized conditions, the BIA provides very reliable results. High-quality devices with multi-frequency technology or segment analysis provide particularly precise data.
Typical measurements include body fat percentage, fat-free mass, muscle and cell mass, intracellular and extracellular water, basal metabolic rate and phase angle as an indicator of cell health. Bioimpedance analysis also allows conclusions to be drawn about nutritional status and can assist in the early detection of malnutrition. This measurement method can also be used to precisely track changes in body mass and the distribution of different tissue types. An index calculated from several parameters, such as the ratio of body fat percentage to fat-free mass, also provides a differentiated insight into individual body composition.
Contraindications exist for wearers of electronic implants, during pregnancy, in the case of acute inflammation or immediately after heavy physical exertion.
The measurement should be taken on an empty stomach, without prior physical activity and, if possible, under standardized conditions.
A bioimpedance analysis usually only takes a few minutes. The actual measurement is completed within about 30 seconds. Depending on the type of device and the scope of the analysis, the entire procedure, including preparation (e.g. taking off shoes and socks) and discussion of the results, can take around 5 to 15 minutes.