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Efficacy of specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for assessing body composition in the elderly

The journal of nutrition, health & aging volume 17, pages 515–521 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to ascertain the efficacy of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in assessing body composition in the elderly by comparing findings with the results of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and to test an analytical variant of the method (specific BIVA).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants

The sample comprised 207 free-living elderly individuals (75 men and 132 women) aged 65 to 93 years.

Measurements

Anthropometric and bioelectrical measurements were taken according to standard criteria. BIVA was applied using the ‘classic’ procedure and correcting bioelectrical values for body geometry to obtain an estimate of the whole-body impedivity. DXA was used as a reference body composition assessment method. BIVA (classic and specific values) and DXA findings were compared using Student’s t and Hotelling’s T2 tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Results

In both sexes, BIVA distinguished between individuals with different amounts of fat and fat-free mass (lean mass including bone mineral content), according to DXA, but not between those with different proportions of fat mass (FM%). Specific bioelectrical values detected changes in body composition.

Conclusion

BIVA should be used with caution for evaluating body composition in the elderly. Specific bioelectrical values proved effective, showing promise as a methodological variant of BIVA, suitable for identifying age-related changes in body fatness.

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Abbreviations

BIVA:

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis

DXA:

dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

R:

Resistance

Xc:

Reactance

Z:

Impedance

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy

    Elisabetta Marini, V. Succa, B. Saragat & R. Buffa

  2. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Geriatrics, University of Padua, Padua, Italy

    G. Sergi, S. Sarti, A. Coin & E. Manzato

  3. Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Anthropological Science Section, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042, Monserrato (Cagliari), Italy

    Elisabetta Marini

Authors
  1. Elisabetta Marini
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  2. G. Sergi
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  3. V. Succa
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  4. B. Saragat
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  5. S. Sarti
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  6. A. Coin
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  7. E. Manzato
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  8. R. Buffa
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Correspondence to Elisabetta Marini.

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Marini, E., Sergi, G., Succa, V. et al. Efficacy of specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for assessing body composition in the elderly. J Nutr Health Aging 17, 515–521 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-012-0411-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-012-0411-7

Key words

  • Body composition
  • aging
  • impedivity
  • BIVA
  • DXA