Body composition assessment with different bioimpedance devices. Which one is a better choice?

Nowadays, due to their widespread application, various models of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices have become available. However, differences in multiple parameters among these BIA devices pose a significant challenge despite their common underlying principle. The primary aim of this research was to assess the correlation, agreement, and differences in specific body composition parameters-body fat percentage (BF%) and muscle mass percentage (Muscle%)-measured by three distinct BIA devices (Omron BF300, Omron BF511, and InBody 770). Measurements were conducted by the same examiner, on the same day, in a sample of 35 women aged between 21 and 26 years. Participants’ baseline characteristics (age, body height, body mass, body mass index) were recorded, alongside their body composition values (BF% and Muscle%) obtained using the three, i.e. two BIA devices, respectively. Data analysis employed SPSS 26.0 software, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, concordance coefficient, repeated measures ANOVA, paired sample t-test, and Bland-Altman plots. Results demonstrated statistically significant correlations (p=0.000) for BF% across all three BIA devices, and for Muscle% between Omron BF511 and InBody 770. Additionally, a significant correlation (p=0.000) with high concordance was noted (W=0.939 for BF%, W=0.926 for Muscle%), although significant differences among devices were also evident (p<0.001). Given the absence of a universally accepted reference method and considering the prior validation of InBody devices against DXA, the InBody 770 is recommended for accuracy when possible. However, for field assessments requiring portable solutions, the Omron BF511 is preferred due to its practicality in terms of size, weight, and portability.