How Does Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) Work?
Measuring body composition (the amount of body mass made up of muscle, fat, water, etc.) is essential to optimize individual health and care. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a noninvasive, low cost body composition measurement and assessment of clinical analysis. Bioimpendance is a validated research method that uses common BIA measurement techniques that measure the resistance of electrical frequency in body tissues, and has been used since the 18th century (Khalil et al., 2014). Therefore, BIA is a validated method to measure the difference in electrical conductivity between the body’s muscle and fat tissue, and can show metabolic changes that a traditional weight scale may not show. In addition, the test takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and is appropriate for adults age 18 and older who do not have an implanted electric device (pacemaker, deep brain stimulation device, bone stimulator, etc.). This test is included in certain KINES physical activity academic courses, and is offered to the general student population, faculty, and staff for a fee.
References:
Khalil, S. F., Mohktar, M. S., & Ibrahim, F. (2014). The theory and fundamentals of bioimpedance analysis in clinical status monitoring and diagnosis of diseases. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 14(6), 10895–10928. https://doi.org/10.3390/s140610895
Measures Assessed
Prior to receiving your BIA test, you will complete a consent form, and a staff member will measure your:
- Waist Circumference
- Height
- Body Weight
- BMI
- Body Fat Mass, and Body Fat Percentage
- Resting Energy Expenditure and Total Energy Expenditure
- Fat Free Mass
- Skeletal Muscle Mass
- Hydration Status