Comparison of Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) versus a Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance (InBody 770) Device for Body Composition Assessment after a 4-Week Hypoenergetic Diet

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to compare two different methods of assessing body composition (i.e., a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)) over a four-week treatment period in exercise-trained men and women. Subjects were instructed to reduce their energy intake while maintaining the same exercise regimen for a period of four weeks. Pre and post assessments for body composition (i.e., fat-free mass, fat mass, percent body fat) were determined via the MF-BIA and DXA. On average, subjects reduced their energy intake by ~18 percent. The MF-BIA underestimated fat mass and percentage body fat and overestimated fat-free mass in comparison to the DXA. However, when assessing the change in fat mass, fat-free mass or percent body fat, there were no statistically significant differences between the MF-BIA vs. DXA. Overall, the change in percent body fat using the DXA vs. the MF-BIA was −1.3 ± 0.9 and −1.4 ± 1.8, respectively. Our data suggest that when tracking body composition over a period of four weeks, the MF-BIA may be a viable alternative to the DXA in exercise-trained men and women.

High-Protein Energy-Restriction: Effects on Body Composition, Contractile Properties, Mood, and Sleep in Active Young College Students

“…If the values deviated by more than 3 units digit, a third measurement was conducted and the mean values were calculated. In the context of tracking body composition changes, MFBIA is considered as a reliable tool (Moon, 2013 ; Bosquet et al, 2017 ) during hypercaloric (Schoenfeld et al, 2020b ) and hypocaloric conditions (Antonio et al, 2019a ) in an athletic population, producing similar values as Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in males (Golja et al, 2020 ). Moreover, MFBIA appears to be valid in detecting total body water changes (Utter et al, 2012 ).…”

Effects of 4 Weeks of a Technique-Specific Protocol with High-Intensity Intervals on General and Specific Physical Fitness in Taekwondo Athletes: An Inter-Individual Analysis

“…Once proper positioning of the device was achieved, the athlete was asked to remain still and quiet while the device completed the body composition measurement, which took an average of 30 s to one min. The researchers administered and monitored the entire test to ensure that the athlete maintained proper positioning and did not move [31,32].…”

Association of Body Composition with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Chart Review Study

“…Thus, caution is required when extending the findings to younger populations. Lastly, although InBody measurement has advantages, previous studies have described its limitations, including that the method underestimates body fat, fat mass, and PBF and overestimates FFM compared to the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); these deviations are largest among normal-weight people and decrease with increasing BMI [ 23 , 42 ]. Thus, healthcare providers must understand the limitations of body composition assessment methods.…”

“…Thus, it is currently the most common for measuring body composition. MF-BIA devices can assess changes in body composition (i.e., fat mass, FFM, and PBF) [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”