Current body composition measurement techniques.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review describing body composition measurement techniques without systematic review methodology
PubMed 28696961 · doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000360
What was done
This paper reviews innovative and precise methods for in-vivo human body composition assessment, covering technologies such as multisegmental and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, quantitative magnetic resonance, and advanced imaging modalities for evaluating tissue compartments, fluid distributions, and ectopic fat depots.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or comparative performance statistics. It qualitatively summarizes that current methods can evaluate total and regional fat mass, fat-free mass, bone mineral content, total and extracellular body water, skeletal muscle mass, organ sizes, and specific adipose subdepots (subcutaneous, visceral, intermuscular, and ectopic).
Why it matters
Accurate body composition profiling allows clinicians and researchers to track phenotypic changes during metabolic disease progression and evaluate the efficacy of targeted nutritional and clinical interventions.
Limits
The abstract provides no empirical data, diagnostic accuracy metrics, error margins, or direct comparative validations between methods. It notes a persistent technological gap in accurate in-vivo measurement techniques applicable during fetal development.
Cited by
- supports Body composition assessment methods like DXA, underwater weighing, and bioelectrical impedance analysis measure fat-free mass as a combination of muscle and water rather than isolated muscle mass.