Maturity Related Differences in Body Composition Assessed by Classic and Specific Bioimpedance Vector Analysis among Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in the assessment of maturity related differences in body composition among male elite youth soccer players, and to provide bioelectrical impedance reference data for this category. A group of 178 players (aged 12.1 ± 1.6 years) were registered in a professional Italian soccer team participating in the first division (Serie A). They were divided into three groups according to their maturity status while bioelectrical resistance and reactance were obtained. The classic and specific BIVA procedures were applied, which correct bioelectrical values for body height and body geometry, respectively. Percentage of fat mass (FM%) and total body water (TBW (L)) were estimated from bioelectrical values. Age-specific z-scores of the predicted age at peak height velocity identified 29 players as earlier-, 126 as on time-, and 23 as later-maturing. TBW was higher (p < 0.01) in adolescents classified as “early” maturity status compared to the other two groups and classic BIVA confirmed these results. Conversely, no differences in FM% were found among the groups. Specific vector length showed a higher correlation (r = 0.748) with FM% compared with the classic approach (r = 0.493). Classic vector length showed a stronger association (r = −0.955) with TBW compared with specific (r = −0.263). Specific BIVA turns out to be accurate for the analysis of FM% in athletes, while classic BIVA shows to be a valid approach to evaluate TBW. An original data set of bioelectric impedance reference values of male elite youth soccer players was provided.

The Effects of Dehydration on Metabolic and Neuromuscular Functionality during Cycling

“…Our results showed that although the bioimpedance vectors lengthen as a result of body fluid loss, the slope and phase angle does not change, implying that the ICW/ECW ratio remains unchanged. In this regard, different studies have shown how the phase angle which determines the vector slope of the R-Xc graph, is directly proportionate to the ICW/ECW ratio [33][34][35]. Similar results have been found by Gatterer et al [16] in regard to dehydration after a running test.…”

Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In fact, in a recent study by Silva and colleagues [42], a comparison between single (50 kHz) and multi-frequency devices was conducted in a highly active population. The authors found that multi-frequency instruments provided significantly lower values of R and Xc but higher values of PA at 50kHz.Second, although BIA is used in clinical and sports fields to reflect body fluids, nutritional state, and phase angle [29,[43][44][45], it is not a direct measurement method of body composition. In particular, in this study, F% was determined from the bioimpedance raw parameters rather than by a gold standard method.…”

Body Water Content and Morphological Characteristics Modify Bioimpedance Vector Patterns in Volleyball, Soccer, and Rugby Players

“…Recent studies have focused on evaluating factors influencing the vector position of athletes, including maturity status, [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] dehydration [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], and fitness level [ 15 ]. Since the bioelectric properties of body tissues depend on body fluids and cells’ membrane integrity [ 16 ], the main determinant of the vector position in the R-Xc graph is the TBW and the distribution of the fluids among the two compartments (ICW and ECW).…”