Tanita foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis system validated in older adults

Simple, accurate, and noninvasive methods for assessing body composition are needed in many clinical, community, and research settings. The foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system may be one method of addressing those needs. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of a foot-to-foot BIA system for body-composition assessment of older adults. Subjects 55 years of age or older without functional limitations or cognitive impairments (N=50) were measured using both the Tanita foot-to-foot system (Tanita Corporation of America, Inc, Arlington Heights, IL) and traditional hand-to-foot BIA. The correlation for percent body fat measurements between the Tanita and traditional BIA was r=0.84 (P<.001). Percent body fat estimates from both BIA measures were significantly correlated with waist circumference, body mass index, and age (all P<.01). The Tanita BIA system provides a valid measure of percent body fat in older adults, and could be a convenient and practical approach for assessment in public health settings.