Search Results (357)

Background and Objectives: Asymmetries in body composition and movement patterns are common in professional basketball due to the sport’s repetitive and unilateral demands. While both structural and functional asymmetries have been independently studied, little is known about their interaction under real training conditions. The aim of this study was to compare structural asymmetries, obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis, with functional asymmetries, measured through inertial devices in professional basketball players. Methods: Twenty-five male professional basketball players from two Spanish teams were monitored over a two-month period. Structural asymmetries were assessed via the TANITA MC-780MA multi-frequency analyzer, while functional asymmetries were quantified using WIMU Pro™ inertial units during 43 training sessions. Descriptive, correlational, and cluster analyses were performed, followed by linear mixed-effects models adjusted for individual random effects, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Descriptive results revealed low overall fat mass and no relevant group-level asymmetries in muscle mass or functional variables, although fat mass asymmetry showed greater variability across players. Correlation analyses indicated weak and non-significant relationships between structural and functional asymmetries. Cluster analysis grouped muscle mass and functional asymmetries together, while fat mass asymmetry formed a distinct cluster. Linear mixed-effects models confirmed significant differences for muscle mass asymmetry and demonstrated high inter-individual variability. Conclusions: Structural and functional asymmetries behave independently, with muscle mass asymmetry showing greater variability and functional relevance. These findings highlight the need for individualized monitoring approaches integrating morphological and functional assessments to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in elite basketball players. Full article

The purpose of this study was to examine morphological asymmetries in male youth judokas using an integrated assessment combining three-dimensional (3D) body scanning and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and to determine how these asymmetries relate to judo-specific performance. Twenty-seven competitive male youth judokas were evaluated for bilateral girth, segmental length, and lean mass asymmetries across upper- and lower-limb segments. The Absolute Asymmetry index, expressed as a percentage for individual body segments, and the average body symmetry across all variables were calculated, and associations with performance were assessed using the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). Significant right-dominant asymmetries were found in elbow girth p < 0.001, forearm girth p < 0.001, thigh girth p = 0.028, and leg muscle mass p = 0.008. Upper-limb asymmetries were the primary contributors to total-body asymmetry, reflecting the unilateral gripping and rotational demands typical in judo. Only calf girth asymmetry was significantly associated with SJFT performance, with greater asymmetry linked to poorer outcomes, indicating a specific rather than general asymmetry–performance relationship (r = 0.405; p = 0.037). These findings underscore the importance of early detection of segment-specific asymmetries and suggest that rapid digital anthropometry is a practical tool for monitoring morphological development in youth judokas. Early targeted interventions may support balanced technical execution, enhance performance, and reduce the risk of uneven loading patterns as athletes progress to higher age categories and competition levels. Full article

Sarcopenia and physical frailty are interconnected geriatric syndromes that frequently coexist in older adults, sharing common pathophysiological pathways. However, their early detection in community settings is limited by resource constraints and by the lack of simplified, scalable diagnostic tools. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence and overlap of sarcopenia and frailty in a real-world public health screening programme and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a pragmatic two-step algorithm. In September 2025, a total of 256 consecutive community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years underwent standardized assessment using the SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength dynamometry, and selective bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Sarcopenia was defined according to 2019 EWGSOP2 criteria, and frailty according to the Fried phenotype. Confirmed sarcopenia was identified in 37 participants (14.5%, 95% CI 10.7–19.1%) and frailty in 31 (12.1%, 95% CI 8.6–16.7%), with substantial overlap (77.4% of frail individuals also had sarcopenia; Cohen’s κ = 0.62). The two-step algorithm (Step 1: SARC-F ≥ 4; Step 2: handgrip strength and BIA only in screen-positive participants) demonstrated excellent accuracy for confirmed sarcopenia (AUC 0.913, 95% CI 0.871–0.955), with sensitivity 91.9%, specificity 81.3%, and a 53.9% reduction in BIA use. Factors independently associated with confirmed sarcopenia included older age, BMI < 22 kg/m², physical inactivity, and higher SARC-F score. A simple, function-centered two-step approach enables efficient and scalable identification of sarcopenia and frailty in community settings, supporting early preventive strategies to preserve physical function. Full article

Background: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among hospitalized older adults and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Multiple diagnostic criteria exist, but the comparative implications of different handgrip strength (HGS) thresholds and measurement tools are less explored. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia, comparing the diagnostic yield of different HGS thresholds using two measurement instruments (dynamometer and vigorimeter) in hospitalized older adults. Design: This was a cross-sectional observational study. Setting: A tertiary geriatric hospital with acute, rehabilitation, and long-term care wards was included. Participants: A total of 376 hospitalized older adults with complete HGS and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) data were recruited. Measurements: HGS was measured using both a hydraulic dynamometer and a pneumatic vigorimeter. Sarcopenia was defined using cut-offs from EWGSOP2, SDOC, and two DO-HEALTH-derived thresholds. Low muscle mass was identified using the fat-free mass index (FFMI) by BIA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of sarcopenia. Results: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia ranged from 68.1% to 89.4%, and confirmed sarcopenia from 39.6% to 50.3%, depending on the thresholds applied. Sarcopenic patients were older (86.1 ± 9.8 vs. 80.4 ± 11.0 years; p < 0.001), had lower BMI (20.7 ± 2.9 vs. 26.1 ± 4.8 kg/m²; p < 0.001), and were more frequently in long-term care (p = 0.014–0.043). Older age (OR 1.03–1.07 per year; p < 0.05) and lower BMI (OR 0.59–0.68 per kg/m²; p < 0.001) were independently associated with sarcopenia; sex and fall history were not. Conclusions: Sarcopenia prevalence was high and varied widely across diagnostic definitions and measurement tools, reflecting both methodological variability and the high vulnerability of hospitalized older adults. These findings highlight the need for standardized, context-adapted diagnostic strategies to guide timely intervention in high-risk hospitalized older adults. Full article

Background/Aim: Extracellular-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) and phase angle (PhA, PA) reflect hydration and cellular health, but their relationship with bone, muscle, and fat, as primary components of body composition, is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate sex-specific differences in body composition and assess the diagnostic potential of ECW/TBW and PhA for identifying low bone/muscle mass, as well as increased fat mass, in generally healthy adults. Methods: This post hoc analysis utilized data from a multicenter, cross-sectional, Italian study (2010–2014) that included 20–90 years adults (n = 9717). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance (BIA-ACC, BioTekna^®), assessing bone, muscle mass, fat mass, ECW, TBW, and PhA. Low bone/muscle mass, as well as adiposity, were defined using standard cutoffs. Associations were examined using nonparametric tests and multiple regression analyses. Results: The mean age of men and women was similar (mean ~48 years). Men had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT%), T-score (bone), S-score (muscle), and PhA, while women had significantly higher fat mass (FM%) and ECW/TBW. ECW/TBW showed excellent discrimination for low muscle mass (AUC 0.845–0.922) and low bone mass (AUC 0.696–0.885), outperforming PhA. Neither ECW/TBW nor PhA reliably predicted increased fat mass. Regression models indicated ECW/TBW was strongly associated with age, sex, BMI, fat mass, and bone/muscle scores (R² = 0.943), whereas PhA’s association was moderate (R² = 0.368). Conclusions: ECW/TBW and PhA reflected sex-specific differences for body composition and effectively identified low muscle and bone mass (with better predictability of the former). Both showed a limited predictive ability for fat mass. Overall, both parameters provide complementary insights into sarcopenia and osteopenia and could be used for easy and non-invasive screening for these conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Successful and sustained breastfeeding depends on maternal, psychological, metabolic and obstetric factors including hydration status, body composition, gestational age at delivery and mode of delivery, which are rarely assessed together in routine postpartum care. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) provides a non-invasive assessment of hydration and tissue composition, yet its potential to support lactation outcomes remains insufficiently studied. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between postpartum body composition, hydration status assessed with BIA, and breastfeeding duration. Methods: A total of 122 women in the early postpartum period after term singleton deliveries were enrolled, of whom 50 completed the full protocol, including a 7-month follow-up. BIA and anthropometric measurements were performed on postpartum days 2 and 3. Breastfeeding duration was assessed at 7 months via telephone interview and categorized as <6 months or ≥6 months. Two indices (PLBI and sPLBI) were calculated to describe BMI change from pre-pregnancy to 7 months postpartum. Results: Breastfeeding for ≥6 months was significantly associated with marital status, mode of delivery, lower BMI on postpartum day 2, and a positive change in the overhydration index (ΔOH). Women in this group exhibited significantly lower PLBI and sPLBI values, indicating more effective postpartum weight recovery and a greater return toward pre-pregnancy BMI. Hydration parameters derived from BIA differentiated between shorter and longer breastfeeding duration. Conclusions: Positive postpartum hydration balance (ΔOH ≥ 0) and efficient metabolic recovery, reflected by lower PLBI and sPLBI values, may support longer breastfeeding. BIA-based assessment of hydration and body composition could help identify women at higher risk of early breastfeeding cessation. Further longitudinal research is warranted to confirm the clinical utility of BIA in postpartum care and its potential role in early lactation support. Full article

Elderly patients with femoral fractures need specific rehabilitation after surgery that aims to improve their self-reliance and life quality, reducing their mortality rate. Although worsening patient body composition increased the risk of an unfavourable prognosis, it remains unclear whether evaluating bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters can predict any functional recovery. A longitudinal design was conducted on 45 elders (84.59 ± 7.18 years, 75.6% female) who underwent femoral surgery to examine BIA features as rehabilitation biomarkers. The patient’s body composition, assessed by anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and self-reliance were evaluated three times during follow-up in both healthy and surgical lower limbs. The ANCOVA test, adjusted for gender and side of surgery, found improvements in daily living activities, while only thigh circumferences decreased over time. Regarding the BIA, the surgical leg showed a wider decrement in bioelectrical resistance (R), whereas the bioelectric reactance (Xc) exhibited similar trends. Females who underwent surgery on their dominant leg showed significant changes (p < 0.001) in bioimpedance vectorial analysis (BIVA), with a linear trend from baseline to postoperative time, while males exhibited beneficial variations only between baseline and time 2 (p < 0.01). Geriatric patients exhibit characteristic traits that require additional attention. BIA may be a feasible and non-invasive method for monitoring patient prognosis and reducing national health system costs. Full article

Background: Paralympic athletes represent a highly heterogeneous athletic population, which poses unique challenges for body composition assessment. This study evaluated the accuracy of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP), and a set of skinfold equations in estimating relative fat mass (%FM) in Paralympians, using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) as reference method. Methods: Sixty-six male and sixty-seven female Paralympians underwent body composition assessments on the same day. The %FM estimated using BIA, ADP, and six existing skinfold equations was compared with %FM measured by DXA (%FM_DXA). Accuracy and agreement between the methods were evaluated using two-tailed paired-sample t-tests, concordance correlation coefficients, reduced major axis regression, and Bland–Altman analysis. Linear regression analyses with the %FM_DXA as dependent variable and anthropometric measurements as independent variable were also carried out. Results: BIA, ADP, and skinfold equations exhibited poor agreement with DXA and significantly underestimated %FM_DXA, with systematic biases ranging from −1.8% to −10.7% in both men and women. In both groups, skinfold sums showed strong correlations with %FM_DXA (r > 0.7), with the nine-skinfold model providing the best prediction (adjusted R² approximately 0.8). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a lack of transferability of available methods for assessing body composition (skinfold equations, BIA, and ADP) in estimating %FM_DXA in both male and female Paralympians, as these methods proved inaccurate. Future research is needed to further investigate the accuracy of methods for assessing body composition in this population, taking into account the specific impairment and health condition of the athletes. Full article

Parasitic infection is a major cause of infertility in small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the association between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measurements, testicular morphometrics, and sperm quality in parasitized goats. Thirty-eight intact mature Spanish bucks were allowed to graze on a naturally parasitically infected pasture for 3 months. Nineteen bucks were dewormed regularly (healthy group), while the other 19 bucks did not receive any anthelmintics (parasitized group). Fecal and blood samples were collected weekly to assess fecal egg count (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. Based on the size and morphology of the parasite eggs, they were presumptively identified as Haemonchus contortus. At the end of the grazing period, bucks were slaughtered, and testicles and epididymis were collected for analysis. In addition, BIA was applied to each testicle to measure series resistance (Rs) and reactance (Xc). Epididymal spermatozoa were retrieved and evaluated for motility, viability, morphology, and membrane and acrosome integrities. Data was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests. The results showed that Rs (169.41 ± 1.76 Ω vs. 235.21 ± 20.21 Ω), Xc (37.55 ± 0.48 Ω vs. 52.08 ± 4.68 Ω), testicular and epididymis weights and lengths, sperm motility, viability, and membrane and acrosome integrities were lower (p < 0.0001) in parasitized than in healthy goats. Strong correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between Rs, sperm viability (r = 0.20), membrane integrity (r = 0.15), and acrosome integrity (r = 0.14), as well as between Xc and the same sperm parameters (r = 0.21, 0.18, and 0.16, respectively). In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that parasitic infection is associated with testicular health and subsequent epididymal sperm quality of goats. BIA can be utilized as an efficient tool to predict the impact of parasitic infection on testicular function in goats. Full article

Regular assessment of aerobic capacity is important in sports medicine and preventive health; however, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is often impractical in field or clinical settings. Phase angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), has been proposed as a practical indicator of cellular health and membrane integrity; however, its relevance to aerobic capacity relative to skeletal muscle mass percentage (SMM%) in healthy young adults remains unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the independent associations of PhA and SMM% with peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak) and oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (VO₂AT). Forty-one adults underwent same-day BIA and CPX using a cycle ergometer. VO₂peak was obtained from 37 participants who achieved maximal effort, while VO₂AT was identified in all. In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sex, PhA was independently associated with both VO₂peak and VO₂AT, whereas SMM% showed no independent association. These findings indicate that PhA may serve as a stronger determinant of aerobic capacity than SMM% in healthy young adults and highlight its potential utility in settings such as routine health check-ups or preliminary screening of aerobic capacity when CPX is impractical. Full article

This study aimed to develop and validate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-based prediction equations for estimating the in vivo body composition of reproductive rabbit does across different physiological stages. A total of 87 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does were used to generate calibration models, and 25 additional rabbit does served for independent validation. Animals were categorized according to reproductive status (nulliparous, pregnant-lactating, pregnant-non-lactating, non-pregnant-lactating, and non-pregnant-non-lactating). BIA measurements were obtained using a Quantum II analyzer, and chemical composition was determined by proximate analysis. Multiple linear regression models were developed, and equations were validated through relative mean prediction error (RMPE). Significant effects of physiological status were observed on body composition: pregnant-lactating does showed the highest water content, while non-pregnant-non-lactating females exhibited the greatest protein and fat concentrations. Fat and energy contents decreased markedly (−24% and −32%, respectively) during lactation, indicating intense metabolic mobilization. Regression models revealed strong correlations between impedance parameters and chemical composition. Validation confirmed high predictive accuracy (RMPE 15–25%), with crude protein slightly underestimated (3–4%). These findings confirm that BIA provides a reliable, non-destructive alternative to comparative slaughter for assessing body composition in breeding rabbit does throughout the reproductive cycle. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) induces various physiological and metabolic adaptations. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a seven-day IHH exposure on nutritional status, body composition, gut microbiota, movement intensity, and energy expenditure in 10 workers. Methods: A pre–post comparative design was employed, with measurements taken at the beginning and end of the exposure period. Nutritional status, body composition, and phase angle (PhA) were assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Gut microbiota composition was analyzed through fecal DNA extraction and qPCR for specific bacterial families. Movement intensity and energy expenditure were monitored using accelerometry. An initial statistical analysis was performed, which included paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: A significant increase in PhA (mean difference: 0.40; p = 0.0053 for t-test, p = 0.0136 for Wilcoxon) and a significant decrease in BMI (mean difference: −0.38; p = 0.0311 for t-test, p = 0.0546 for Wilcoxon). Conclusions: While the original paper reported no significant changes in nutritional status or body composition, our re-analysis suggests a significant change in BMI. The original paper also reported significant changes in specific gut bacterial families (butyrate-producing bacteria, p = 0.037; Lactobacillus species, p = 0.006). Physical activity levels remained consistently low. Full article

Background/Objectives: Assessing age-related health decline in the elderly is critical, yet standard metrics like Body Mass Index (BMI) can be misleading. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a popular method to assess body composition. This study evaluated the relationship between BIA-derived parameters, a comprehensive panel of laboratory biomarkers, and nutritional status in a cohort of Polish older adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 126 elderly participants (106 women, 20 men; mean age: 72.4 years), we performed multi-frequency segmental BIA to measure fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass, and phase angle (PA). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Venous blood samples were analyzed for a comprehensive panel of hematological, inflammatory (CRP), hormonal (leptin), and metabolic biomarkers. Results: The analysis characterized the body composition and biomarker profiles of the cohort. MNA-defined malnutrition risk was associated with significantly lower muscle mass and PA, and altered fluid distribution (higher extracellular-to-total body water ratio), but not with reduced fat mass. Adiposity correlated strongly with leptin and CRP. Hematological parameters were linked to lean mass, while zinc and albumin correlated with PA. Canonical analysis identified two distinct physiological axes: a dominant “adipo-hormonal” axis linking leptin to fat mass, and a secondary “metabolic–cellular integrity” axis linking zinc and iron status to Phase Angle and fluid balance. Conclusions: In older adults, nutritional risk is characterized by sarcopenia and fluid shifts, not low adiposity, highlighting the inadequacy of BMI. BIA parameters, especially the phase angle, may serve as promising indicators of cellular health that correlate strongly with key micronutrients, suggesting a potential role in complementary geriatric assessment. Full article

Background: Institutionalized older adults often experience cognitive and functional decline and altered body composition (BC), making nutritional assessment difficult. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) offers a simple and non-invasive method to evaluate BC; classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis do not require predictive models or assumptions about hydration status. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of BIA, classic bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), and specific BIVA (BIVA-Sp) in detecting nutritional and other related disorders in institutionalized psychogeriatric patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 95 institutionalized older adults (52 men, 43 women; mean age: 80 years). Clinical and functional data, including frailty, dependency, handgrip strength, and anthropometry, were collected. BC was assessed using BIA. Nutritional diagnoses included malnutrition (GLIM criteria), sarcopenia (EWGSOP2), adiposity, and sarcopenic obesity (SOGLI criteria). Mean impedance vectors and 95% confidence ellipses were generated for BIVA and BIVA-Sp. Individual vectors were compared with reference data from healthy older adults. Statistical analyses compared clinical variables and impedance vector distributions between groups. Results: Classic BIVA differentiated patients with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, while BIVA-Sp identified vector shifts associated with adiposity and sarcopenic obesity. Neither BIVA nor BIVA-Sp discriminated patients based on body mass index or malnutrition status. Conclusions: The application of BIVA in institutionalized psychogeriatric patients allows for easier, faster, and more effective detection of changes in BC and hydration status compared with conventional methods. This enables individualized monitoring and facilitates interventions that may reduce complications, functional decline, and hospitalizations, thereby improving their quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are the gold standard to measure fat mass, but they are unavailable in regular consultations. Relative Fat Mass (RFM) and Pediatric Relative Fat Mass (pRFM) equations are calculated using DXA images in adults and children, but they have not been correlated with BIA. Methods: A longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 531 children from a public school followed over one year; sex, age, weight, height, waist circumference and fat mass percentage were recorded. We calculated body mass index Z-score (Z-BMI), body mass index percentile (Pc BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and RFM-pRFM to diagnose Overweight (Ow)/Obesity (Ob). We used descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, sensitivity and specificity, 95% CI, and ROC curves; SPSS version 22 was used. Results: Adiposity was found in 34.5%, 33.2%, 21.5% and 43.5% of children using Z-BMI, Pc BMI, WHtR, and BIA, respectively; excluding children younger than 8 years old, the frequency of adiposity was 51.5% by RFM-pRFM. The highest correlation was between RFM-pRFM and BIA (0.84, p < 0.000). Of the total measurements of each visit considered as normal weight using Z-BMI, 21.5% had adiposity using BIA, and the proportion of girls underdiagnosed was twice that of boys. Conclusions: RFM-pRFM had the highest correlation with BIA but Z-BMI, Pc BMI, and WHtR are also helpful. It is important to consider that 21.5% of children with apparent normal weight present adiposity. Full article