1990 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 53-59
A new method for estimation of total body water in human subjects by measurement of bioelectrical impedance is described. Determinations of impedance (Z) were made in 24 healthy women aged 35.9±15.39 yr using an electrical impedance analyzer (T-1988 K, Toyo Physical Inc.) with a four-electrode arrangement that delivers a painless signal (500 μA at 50 kHz) into the body. The mean coefficient of variation for ten impedance measurements in 4 male subsamples was 0.8% (range, 0.2-1.2%) . Total body water determined by deuteriumdilution was 26.1±2.44l. The estimation equation was developed by regression analysis of data from 24 women. Height2/resistive impedance was the most significant variable for prediction of deuterium-dilution space (TBW) and yielded r=0.804 (p<0.001) with a SE of estimate= 1.41l. The regression equation generated was Total Body Water=0.5294 (Ht2/Z) + 2.5139. These data indicate that bioelectrical impedance measurement is a reliable and valid approach for the estimation of total body water in human subjects. This noninvasive method, which is safe, simple, rapid and convenient, should prove useful in a clinical setting, and also for epidemiological and exercise physiology studies.
