Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance Analysis in Practice: A Review of Validated Prediction Equations for Key Body Composition Parameters

Multi-Frequency Bioimpedance Analysis in Practice: A Review of Validated Prediction Equations for Key Body Composition Parameters

Článek WoS

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of validated prediction equations for body composition assessment using single-and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), covering studies published between 2000 and April 2025. While traditional models for estimating compartments such total body water (TBW) and fat-free mass (FFM) have long been established, they often fail to reflect current populations and technologies. The review includes 43 studies that developed 98 unique equations for TBW, FFM, extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), body cell mass (BCM), and bone mineral content (BMC), derived using reference methods such deuterium dilution, DXA, or multi-component models. Most equations targeted FFM and TBW, with a noticeable lack models for ECW, ICW, and BMC. The review identifies a geographic and demographic imbalance in study populations and emphasizes the need for updated, population-specific models. It also highlights the growing use of multi-frequency BIA devices to improve estimation accuracy. The findings support the continued refinement of BIA-based prediction models for broader clinical applicability and underscore the importance of external validation across diverse populations and health conditions.

This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of validated prediction equations for body composition assessment using single-and multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), covering studies published between 2000 and April 2025. While traditional models for estimating compartments such total body water (TBW) and fat-free mass (FFM) have long been established, they often fail to reflect current populations and technologies. The review includes 43 studies that developed 98 unique equations for TBW, FFM, extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), body cell mass (BCM), and bone mineral content (BMC), derived using reference methods such deuterium dilution, DXA, or multi-component models. Most equations targeted FFM and TBW, with a noticeable lack models for ECW, ICW, and BMC. The review identifies a geographic and demographic imbalance in study populations and emphasizes the need for updated, population-specific models. It also highlights the growing use of multi-frequency BIA devices to improve estimation accuracy. The findings support the continued refinement of BIA-based prediction models for broader clinical applicability and underscore the importance of external validation across diverse populations and health conditions.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Body Composition, Prediction Equations, Total Body Water, Fat-Free Mass

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Body Composition, Prediction Equations, Total Body Water, Fat-Free Mass

KAMPO, D.; ZÁVODNÁ, E.; VONDRA, V.

2026

01.12.2025

Acad Sciences Czech Republic, Inst Physiology

PHYSIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

74

74

Česká republika

S77

S92

16

https://www.biomed.cas.cz/physiolres/pdf/2025/74_S77.pdf