Who relies on body composition analysis?
Body composition analysis performed on advanced, clinically validated equipment is depended upon across a wide variety of wellness, performance, and medical platforms, including: colleges and universities, hospitals, research institutions, professional and non-professional sports organizations, assisted and independent living communities, corporate wellness programs and providers, primary care physicians, weight loss programs and facilities, bariatricians, nephrologists, public and private school systems, government agencies, public and private recreational facilities, medical spas, anti-aging facilities, fitness centers, gyms and health clubs, athletic performance labs, home health, and more.
How does InBody’s premium Model 770 work?
It uses direct segmental measurement bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSM-BIA), a patented technology, to precisely measure body composition by sending multiple electrical currents through the body, resulting in six different impedance readings for the trunk and each of the four limbs. The innovative and in-depth analysis of the InBody scan yield accurate results for body composition outputs, such as body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, segmental lean body mass, and percent body fat.
What is impedance?
Impedance is defined as the strength and speed of an electrical current through the body, measured in Ohms. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is based on the fact that tissues with higher water content act as a conductor of an electrical current, whereas fat tissue interferes with electrical conductivity. The more fat there is in the body, the higher the impedance.
Why is InBody technology so highly regarded?
InBody technology is patented and is significantly more advanced than that found in all other BIA devices. InBody technology relies on direct segmental measurement analysis (critical in accurately measuring impedance of the complex trunk region), uses multiple frequencies to accurately measure intracellular and extracellular water, provides a direct and consistently reproducible measurement via its 8-point tactile electrode system, and involves absolutely no empirical estimations (population-based statistical data such as age, gender, ethnicity, body type, etc.) in calculating your results.
How accurate is BIA technology?
Historically, BIA technology, devices, and results have been met with some degree of skepticism. However, the revolutionary patented advancements of InBody technology provide great precision and accuracy for total body and regional measurements.
What are the advantages of using multiple frequencies as opposed to a single frequency?
Using multiple frequencies improves accuracy and precision. At single, low frequencies, it is difficult for electrical currents to penetrate the cellular membrane and assess intracellular water. As frequencies get higher, the electrical current is more capable of penetrating the cellular membrane and accurately measuring intracellular water.
How is the 8-point tactile electrode system different than EKG tape electrodes?
When BIA testing is performed using EKG tape electrodes, adhesive electrodes are usually placed on the wrist and back of hand, as well as on the ankle and top of foot. Voltage line and current flow line always overlap from a certain point, and that point is where measurement begins. However, it is almost impossible to place adhesive electrodes in the exact same place every time, thus allowing the measurement starting points to vary. Rather than use adhesive electrodes, InBody technology features tactile electrodes. Voltage line and current flow line overlap at the same point and promote a consistent measurement starting point for every assessment.
What other commonly used methods for body composition analysis exist?
Other methods of measuring body composition include DXA, hydrostatic weighing, air displacement, and anthropometric calipers.
What are the specific things I should and should not do before my test?
You should not test if you have a cold, fever, or chill as your body composition may not reflect typical body status. Prior to your test, it is important to go to the bathroom. You should not test after strenuous exercise or immediately after using a sauna, steam room, or taking a bath. You should ideally test prior to a meal or no sooner than four hours after a meal. Diuretics, such as caffeine, alcohol, and medications should not be taken before your test. Preferably, you should make every attempt to be tested under the same conditions, for example, at a consistent time of day. Finally, the electrolyte tissues should be used prior to each test.
Are there weight, height, or age restrictions for the test?
The approved weight range is from 22 pounds to 550 pounds; the height range is from 44 to 86 inches; and the age range is 3 to 99 years old.
Do my socks and shoes really need to be removed?
Yes. It is important that the feet are bare and free from and socks, shoes, or stockings that will increase contact resistance of electrical current penetration, therefore distorting the results.
Why is it recommended to use the preparation tissue prior to testing?
The tissue increases electrical conductivity where the hand and feet electrodes make contact with your skin. Without the tissues, it would be difficult for the electrical currents to penetrate through severe calluses or hard skin on the hands or bottom of the feet.
How long will I be required to stand on the analyzer platform?
Acquiring your weight and comprehensive body composition values requires approximately one minute.
Must I be tested standing upright?
Yes; people are naturally upright. Therefore, testing while in a standing position resembles the most natural state.
Will I feel a tingle in my hands or feet during the test?
The electrical currents sent through the body during your test are too low to feel. These safe low level currents are not harmful in any way to the body and have been approved for medical use all over the world. However, there is a small possibility that those with heightened tactile sensitivity will feel a slight sensation.
What can affect my test accuracy?
Changes in body composition reflect current body status, which can be affected by such factors as disease, nutritional status, and medications. Hydration status can also affect body water levels, and in turn, affect results. Metallic accessories such as jewelry potentially may interfere with the electrical conductivity. As long as testing conditions and testing environment are kept consistent from test to test, the test will provide extremely high data reproducibility.
Are there people who should not be tested?
Those with artificial electrical implants such as a defibrillator or pacemaker should not be tested. Women experiencing their menstrual cycle will not get an accurate reading due to subtle changes in hydration and body water levels. Pregnant women can be tested to measure data such as body water levels. However, due to the carrying of a fetus into the mother’s body, the results will not be as accurate as they would be otherwise.
Can those with artificial prosthetics be tested?
People with artificial hands and feet cannot be tested, and you do need two thumbs to be tested. The 8-point tactile electrode system come into contact with the body at eight contact points, which include both thumbs, the palms of your hands, and the soles/heels of your feet. The electrical currents at these contact points cannot penetrate artificial prosthetics, and therefore cannot provide accurate impedance values.
Can a person with metal implants in their body take the test?
Individuals with metallic implants can take the test, but they may experience skewed test results due to the conductivity of the metal located within their body.
How can percent body fat change within a timeframe as short as one day?
Weight and body water changes can occur with the introduction of meals and fluids, or with a change in environment. Circulation of body water may also cause changes in water distribution throughout the day. It is recommended that repeat tests be performed under the same testing conditions, in the same environment, and at the same time of day as the initial test.
When measuring body composition on BIA devices, why do results change when height changes?
The volume of a cylinder – in this case the human body – changes when the height of the cylinder changes. BIA devices consider the body as a cylinder, and the volume of body water is calculated with the height and impedance of the body.
Why isn’t segmental fat mass or segmental percent body fat reported?
In general, BIA technology measures body components that are electrically conductive. Body fat mass is not an electrical conductor and, as a result, is calculated by subtracting fat free mass from total weight. Therefore, to acquire body fat mass for each segment, the total weight of each segment would need to be acquired.
How are body fat measurements derived from body water measurements?
Body water volume is closely related to fat free body mass. When fat free mass is subtracted from total weight, body fat mass remains.
How often can you measure body composition?
Frequency of measurement is fully dependent upon each individual’s preference. Inner Image recommends testing every 3 – 4 months under typical circumstances.