Open AccessMuscle assessment using multi‐frequency bioimpedance in a healthy Danish population aged 20–69 years: a powerful non‐invasive tool in sports and in the clinic
Author(s) -
Bartels Else Marie,
Andersen Eva Littrup,
Olsen Jack Kvistgaard,
Kristensen Lars Erik,
Bliddal Henning,
DanneskioldSamsøe Bente,
Harrison Adrian Paul
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
physiological reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 2051-817X
DOI - 10.14814/phy2.14109
Subject(s) - medicine , population , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , environmental health
The condition of active muscles determines an individual′s ability to carry out daily activities and has implications for an athlete′s performance. Multi‐frequency bioimpedance (mf BIA ) is a non‐invasive, well‐known, validated, and much used method to assess muscle condition. However, it is rarely used to its full potential. Our aim was to apply mf BIA fully in the assessment of an adult healthy population, to compare muscle condition in different functional rested muscle groups, with age, and between men and women, and establish a control data set. Fifty healthy subjects (25 men/25 women) aged 20–69 years, participated. mf BIA measurements at a frequency range of 4–1000 kH z were taken from muscles of the lower and the upper extremities, the upper back, and the hand. Data were analyzed using ImpediMed software, giving Impedance, Resistance, Reactance, Phase Angle, Center Frequency, external and internal Resistance, and Membrane Capacitance. Differences between means were tested for statistical significance. A P value >0.05 was considered nonsignificant. While no difference in the mf BIA parameters was seen with age, a highly significant gender difference was seen. At rest, women′s muscles cf men's showed a significantly higher center frequency and intra‐ and extra‐cellular resistance, while the membrane capacitance was lower. A set of values for mf BIA parameters for healthy adult individuals are given for some of the main muscles which are frequently part of muscle assessment. The documented gender difference in muscle condition at rest has important implications in work situations, during physical rehabilitation and when training for competitive sports.