Use of bioelectrical impedance analysis in centenarians: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Centenarians often represent one of the best examples of aging successfully. However, the role of body composition or hydration status assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is poorly explored in this population. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to better understand the use and the role of BIA for evaluating body composition and hydration status in centenarians. Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to the 1st of May, 2022 for published articles providing data on BIA to evaluate body composition parameters or hydration status in centenarians. Data were summarized descriptively because a meta-analysis was not possible due to the scarcity of available studies. Results Among 2222 articles screened, four were eligible including 291 centenarians (mean age: 100.5 years) who were mainly women (88%). In one study, BIA overestimated fat-free mass and underestimated fat mass when compared to deuterium oxide dilution. Another study carried out in Italy including 14 centenarians found a significant correlation between BIA and fat-free mass evaluated using anthropometric tools. In one study, BIA showed a significant agreement with anthropometric measures of fat mass. In the same sample, sarcopenia and dehydration, evaluated with BIA, had a high prevalence. Conclusion BIA may be used for assessing body composition in centenarians, but research is limited to a few studies suggesting the need of future research in this area.

A Pilot Study to Assess Hydration in Geriatric Patients by Bioimpedance

“…Unfortunately, the sample of the measured population is not too large to show significant dependencies. However, as other studies show, BIS seems to be very promising method [12,16,17]. This pilot study will be continued as we have established a collaboration with a gerontology center and new data collection is still ongoing.…”

“…Another study is pointing out BIA (body impedance analysis) for its limited costs, portability, and hence this it might be an ideal tool for assessing body composition and hydration status in older people across different settings. However, more research regarding, the accuracy of BIA is still needed [16].…”

Literature Review Hydration Assessment Methods in the Elderly Population: Advantages and Disadvantages

“…However, BIA has limitations in its sensitivity to detect small changes in TBW. This method is more suitable for measuring larger and significant changes in body hydration status (Mandalà et al, 2023).…”