Application-Based Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Provides Accurate Body Composition Parameters in a More Cost-Efficient and Time-Efficient Way

Abstract

Background

In clinical practice, there is an increasing demand for methods that provide accurate, precise, and real-time body composition measurements while reducing costs and data collection time.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an application-based bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) system for determining body composition compared with a standard BIA method.

Methods

A total of 109 individuals with type 1 diabetes (56 men and 53 women), aged 18–70 y, with a body mass index of 25.0–35.0 kg/m² and glycated hemoglobin concentrations of 7.0%–9.0%, were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to start with either the application-based BIA system or the standard method (A-wave BIA quantum-V) and then switched to the other method. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and metabolic profiles were also assessed.

Results

The comparison between the 2 methods showed a negligible difference in resistance but a significant difference in reactance (–4.9%). The degree of consistency was excellent for both resistance [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.990, P < 0.001] and reactance (ICC = 0.903, P < 0.001), with individual differences falling within acceptable ranges. Furthermore, body composition parameters, including fat-free mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, total body water, and extracellular water, showed only minor and nonsignificant differences between the 2 methods.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the application-based BIA system is a valid and reliable tool for assessing body composition, offering healthcare professionals, including dietitians and nutritionists, a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to standard BIA methods.