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Updated: May 19, 2026
05:44
Performing In Vivo and Ex Vivo Electrical Impedance Myography in Rodents
Published on: June 8, 2022
The effect of subcutaneous fat on electrical impedance myography when using a handheld electrode array: the case for
Minhee Sung1, Andrew J Spieker, Pushpa Narayanaswami
1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
Summary
Electrical impedance myography (EIM) using handheld electrode arrays (HEAs) is affected by subcutaneous fat (SF). Reactance is the EIM parameter least impacted by SF, making it a valuable measure for future clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Physiology
Background:
- Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a developing technique for muscle assessment.
- Handheld electrode arrays (HEAs) offer a practical approach to EIM data acquisition.
- Subcutaneous fat (SF) can influence EIM measurements, particularly with HEAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine which EIM parameter is least affected by subcutaneous fat (SF) when using handheld electrode arrays (HEAs).
- To identify reliable EIM metrics for clinical applications despite variations in SF thickness.
Main Methods:
- 18 healthy subjects participated in the study.
- 50 kHz EIM and ultrasound measurements were performed on the medial gastrocnemius muscles.
- Coefficients of determination (R(2) values) were calculated to assess the relationship between EIM variables (reactance, resistance, phase) and SF thickness.
Main Results:
- Resistance and phase showed a significant correlation with SF thickness (R(2) = 0.64 and R(2) = 0.70, respectively).
- Reactance demonstrated a non-significant relationship with SF thickness (R(2) = 0.07).
Conclusions:
- Reactance is the EIM parameter least influenced by subcutaneous fat (SF) when using HEAs.
- Future EIM studies with HEAs should consider evaluating reactance alongside resistance and phase for more robust clinical insights.
