Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Evaluation of Fluid Overload by Bioelectrical Impedance Vectorial Analysis
Published on: August 17, 2022
[Bioelectrical impedance and visceral fat: a comparison with computed tomography in adults and elderly]
Michaela Eickemberg1, Carolina Cunha de Oliveira, Anna Karla Carneiro Roriz
1Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CEIAE-CNPq), Centro de Estudos e Intervenção na Área do Envelhecimento, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brasil. mieickemberg@yahoo.com.br
Objective:
To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients.
Subjects And Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves.
Results:
VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively.
Conclusion:
BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.
