New Perspectives on Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in Musculoskeletal Aging

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method that has long been used to measure the fat and lean components of the human body. However, the accuracy and prognostic utility of BIA has been limited by its inherent reliance on regression models or algorithms that assume a constant tissue isotropy or hydration status, which are assumptions that are often not valid. Current evidence suggests that raw BIA parameters can more reliably assess not only body composition but also cellular health and functionality in humans. For example, phase angle is emerging as a novel index of cellular and tissue health characteristics and the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) concept can be considered an alternative technique that can be used to overcome some of the aforementioned limitations associated with BIA assessment.

The aim of the current Research Topic is to solicit novel submissions that describe and examine the role of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in relation to human musculoskeletal aging.

Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:

•The development of new BIA methods and their utility for advancing our understanding of numerous morphological, functional, nutritional, physiological, and clinical aspects of musculoskeletal aging.
•Prognostic application of BIA measures within musculoskeletal aging and specific age-related conditions such as sarcopenia, frailty, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, etc.
•Observational effects of musculoskeletal aging on BIA parameters (resistance, reactance, PhA, BIVA, L-BIA).
•Effects of interventions (e.g. physical activity, nutritional, pharmacologic) on phase angle (PhA), bioimpedance vectors analysis (BIVA), localized BIA (L-BIA) parameters, and the dynamics of vectors in tolerance ellipses throughout intervention programs for older adults.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Bioimpedance, Phase Angle, Vector Analysis, Musculoskeletal Aging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.