Table 1 Summary of the various techniques used in body composition analysis
Techniques | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) | Inexpensive Portable Less time consuming No radiation exposure Immediate results | Lack of precision Skeletal muscle quality cannot be analysed |
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Inexpensive Low radiation exposure (equivalent to 3Â days background radiation) More sensitive than BIA | Lack of portability Two-dimensional data Low precision compared to CT and MRI Distinction between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue cannot be made Skeletal muscle quality cannot be analysed |
Computed tomography (CT) | High accuracy and reproducible results Lean body mass, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat can be defined | Radiation exposure More expensive compared to BIA & DXA Skeletal muscle quality cannot be assessed |
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) | Best spatial resolution and body mass composition differentiation No radiation exposure | More expensive compared to BIA and DXA Longer image acquisition time Contraindications to MRI may preclude some patients Skeletal muscle quality cannot be analysed |