A qualitative approach to assessing body compartments using bioelectrical variables

A total of twelve subsamples of healthy European adults (207 males, 208 fem ales) and Ecuadorian school children (300 males, 300 females) were studied with regard to their normal balance of body composition by calculating thei r bioelectrical values measured by a Phase-Sensitive Impedance Analyzer (BI A 101, Akern s.r.l., Florence, Italy). The method involved bivariate analys is of reactance and phase angle and the associated Bioelectrical nomogram ( i.e. 'Biagram') which gives valuable information on, the ratio of extra-cel lular to body cell masses and confirmed that the vast majority of the subje cts were in good physical condition. The few cases of outliers were attribu table to slight dehydration after excessive physical activity in the adult sample or to slight over-hydration. or malnutrition in the child sample. Th e results of the qualitative approach in various areas of assessment of bod y composition in healthy and diseased subjects implies its usefulness as a tool in, epidemiological studies.