Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) and Somatotype in Female Rugby Players

Abstract

Body composition (BC) determines strength, power, and agility in sports such as rugby. Not only is the study of morphology and BC essential to establish player positions, but it also allows the optimisation of competitive performance. The aim of this study was to analyse different BC models (anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)) in a female rugby team. Their somatotype was also compared with a bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) graph. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 19 women (8 forwards and 11 backs). Anthropometric and BIA (50 kHz, tetrapolar electrode configuration) measurements were taken using standard protocols and BC was estimated. Somatotype was calculated using the Heath–Carter method. Classic and specific BIVA were applied. Student’s t, Mann–Whitney, or Chi-squared tests were used for variable comparisons. Agreement was determined via intraclass coefficient correlations. Forwards showed a higher BMI and fat mass, but there were no differences in skeletal muscle masses. Most of the players were of an endomorphic mesomorph somatotype. Specific BIVA, but not classic BIVA, detected BC differences according to player position. Moreover, an individual’s interpretation of BIVA was consistent with their somatotype. In a female rugby team, BC and morphology are different according to position. This was detected in both the somatotype and specific BIVA. The application of BIVA (classic and specific) may yet prove to be a very useful strategy for the study of BC in sports.

Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients

“…Conversely, lower PhA values are associated with alterations in fluid balance and compromised membrane integrity [21,61]. A large body of evidence confirms that PhA is related to cellular health and hydration, muscle mass [62,63], muscle strength [64], and quality of soft tissues [20,61], reflecting cellular integrity [18]. Also, PhA has been useful as an indicator of muscle strength and muscle quality [64].…”

“…There are many methods to evaluate BC. Among them, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been validated and used in ALS [18,19] and has advantages because it is fast, safe, inexpensive, accurate, and non-invasive [20]. BIA measures the impedance (Z), comprised of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), of a small alternating current applied to the body [20].…”

“…Among them, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) has been validated and used in ALS [18,19] and has advantages because it is fast, safe, inexpensive, accurate, and non-invasive [20]. BIA measures the impedance (Z), comprised of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), of a small alternating current applied to the body [20]. R and Xc values are used in predictive equations to calculate fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), total body water (TBW), and phase angle (PhA), the latter used as an indicator of health, cellular quality, function, and membrane integrity [20,21].…”

“…BIA measures the impedance (Z), comprised of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc), of a small alternating current applied to the body [20]. R and Xc values are used in predictive equations to calculate fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), total body water (TBW), and phase angle (PhA), the latter used as an indicator of health, cellular quality, function, and membrane integrity [20,21]. BIA is based on the premise that FM offers greater resistance to the electrical current flow, while FFM provides less resistance.…”

In-Season Longitudinal Hydration/Body Cell Mass Ratio Changes in Elite Rugby Players

“…Rugby is considered an aerobic sport with an intermittent activity profile of frequent changes between high- and low-intensity periods, requiring physical qualities such as endurance, speed, agility, power and flexibility [ 1 , 2 ]. These athletic qualities are influenced by body composition characteristics [ 3 , 4 ].…”