Validity of using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure skeletal muscle mass in preschool children.
Kanako Fujii, Akiko Ishizaki, Ayano Ogawa and 5 others
PMID 28603361WHAT IT FOUND
In 94 preschoolers, body fat measured by multi-frequency impedance closely tracked BMI formula estimates.
Skeletal muscle mass tracked grip strength and calf circumference, not occlusal force.
Key findings
01In 94 children, body fat mass from MF-BIA showed a strong significant correlation with BMI formula estimates (r_s=0.910, p<0.001).
02Skeletal muscle mass per height was significantly correlated with grip strength (0.724) and calf circumference (0.733).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
This was a cross-sectional study, so it cannot show how muscle mass changes over time. Only 94 children were included, so the findings may not apply to all preschool populations. Skeletal muscle mass was not compared with DEXA or MRI, so the muscle mass values are not validated against a reference standard. Body fat mass was compared with BMI formulas, not a direct fat measurement. Children who were absent, unable to complete tests, or having molar malocclusion were excluded, so the sample may not represent all preschool children.
Declared interests
The supplied text does not report funding or conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that MF-BIA is a gold standard for skeletal muscle mass in preschool children. The study validated body fat against BMI formulas and inferred muscle mass validity from correlations with grip strength and calf circumference, without DEXA or MRI comparison.