Open AccessCase study: Effect of surgical metal implant on single frequency bioelectrical impedance measures of an athlete
Author(s) -
Wagner Dale R.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
physiological reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 2051-817X
DOI - 10.14814/phy2.14464
Subject(s) - bioelectrical impedance analysis , implant , medicine , surgery , biomedical engineering , orthodontics , body mass index
This case study examined the influence of a surgical metal implant on the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) readings of an athlete. Single‐frequency BIA using a tetrapolar electrode configuration was applied to both the right and left sides of a 23‐year‐old female jumper who had an 8 × 345 mm titanium alloy nail implanted in her left tibia. The metal implant reduced BIA resistance and reactance on the implanted side by 27 and 6 ohms, respectively. This reduction in impedance resulted in a 0.4 kg–1.9 kg increase in the estimate of fat‐free mass (FFM) depending on the prediction formula used. There was a concomitant decrease in the estimate of body fat percentage (%BF) with the underestimation ranging from 0.6% to 2.7% BF depending on the prediction formula. A metal implant of substantial size can alter the BIA reading. Technicians should apply BIA to the opposite side of the body when athletes present with a surgical implant in a limb.