Bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition Applications in sports science

This book represents the result of an interdisciplinary and international effort to provide an updated overview of the theoretical and methodological principles of bioimpedance, and their applications in sports science. The structure and the writing style are intended to be useful for scholars and students in a range of academic disciplines, as well as for professionals wishing to expand and consolidate their knowledge in the field. The first chapter, entitled “Body composition”, describes the variability of body composition in the two sexes, during the life cycle, and in different populations, considering the relationship to life style and health status. It also summarises the relevant models for the analysis of body composition. The second chapter “Bioelectrical impedance analysis: principles, instruments, and measurement methods” is centred on bioimpedance - the theoretical principles, the advantages and limitations, the measurements and analytical procedures -, illustrating both the conventional procedure based on predictive equations and the alternative ones, such as phase angle and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA). The third chapter “Bioelectrical impedance analysis: Research on body composition in sports science” discusses the more recent applications of bioimpedance, and of BIVA in particular, in the field of physical training and sport.