Segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy: A novel field assessment of muscle size and quality in normal weight and obese older men

Luke R Arieta; Hayden K Giuliani-Dewig; Gena R Gerstner; Jacob A Mota; Eric D Ryan

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2022.111745

Segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy: A novel field assessment of muscle size and quality in normal weight and obese older men

Exp Gerontol. 2022 Jun 1:162:111745. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111745. Epub 2022 Feb 19.

Authors

Luke R Arieta¹, Hayden K Giuliani-Dewig², Gena R Gerstner³, Jacob A Mota⁴, Eric D Ryan⁵

Affiliations

¹ Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
² Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
³ Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
⁴ Department of Kinesiology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
⁵ Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. Electronic address: edryan@email.unc.edu.

PMID: 35192915
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2022.111745

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy characteristic frequency (f_c) and phase angle (P_a) were reflective of differences in quadriceps muscle size and quality, respectively, in normal weight and obese older men, and to assess the impact of hydration status on these measurements. Forty-one healthy older men volunteered for this study and were recruited by age (65-74 years) and two body mass index groups: normal weight and obese. Participants visited the laboratory on one occasion where they underwent a hydration status assessment via urine specific gravity, a percent body fat assessment via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, a segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy thigh assessment to determine f_c and P_a, and resting ultrasonography to assess superficial quadriceps cross-sectional area and echo intensity as a proxy for muscle quality. Urine specific gravity was not different between the groups (P = 0.116); however, echo intensity, cross-sectional area, and percent body fat were greater in the obese group (P < 0.001), and both f_c and P_a were greater in the normal weight group (P < 0.001). Larger muscle cross-sectional area was associated with lower f_c (r = -0.597, P < 0.001), but was not associated with P_a (P = 0.469). Poorer muscle quality (higher echo intensity) was associated with lower P_a (r = -0.765, P < 0.001), but not associated with f_c (P = 0.244). There was no association between f_c and P_a (P = 0.449). All group differences and associations remained unchanged after controlling for urine specific gravity. Segmental bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy may offer an inexpensive, time efficient, and portable assessment of quadriceps muscle size and quality in older men.

Keywords: Characteristic frequency; Echo intensity; Hydration status; Phase angle; Sarcopenia; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Aged
Body Composition* / physiology
Electric Impedance
Humans
Male
Obesity*
Quadriceps Muscle / diagnostic imaging
Spectrum Analysis