Comparison of Body Composition as Determined by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Using Lower-Body vs. Whole-Body Sampling

Abstract

Body fat percent measurement is an important indicator of health in the general public and important in athletics. The purpose of this study was to determine possible differences between a more expensive hand-to-foot (whole-body) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Bodystat1500?) and an inexpensive foot-to-foot (lower-body) BIA device (Tanita Innerscan BC534?). We hypothesized that there would be no difference in percent body fat or percent body water determination between the whole-body and lower-body method. Sixteen subjects of both genders volunteered to participate. Height and weight was taken on a physicians scale without shoes, then each subject had BIA performed on them with both devices. It was found that there were no statistically significant differences between percent body fat and percent body water between the two machines. There was also no difference between the physicians scale and the Tanita for weight. Differences in recommended daily caloric intake (DCI) were statistically significant between the BodyStat and the Tanita with the Tanita recommending greater calorie consumption. This experiment showed that there was no difference between whole-body and lower-body BIA assessment using these specific devices. The cheaper foot-to-foot scale provides accurate measurements and is more practical for most people and regular athletes to use.