Moscow University
Anthropology
Bulletin
Anthropology
Bulletin
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of biology, Department of anthropology, Leninskie Gory, 1, p.12, Moscow, 119991, Russia
Chtetsov V.P.; Negasheva Marina A., Ph.D., D.Sc., ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7572-4316, e-mail: negasheva@mail.ru; Lapshina N.E., e-mail: afarensis@rambler.ru
In the modern human morphology the studying of body composition is considered quite an interesting area. This paper describes some methodological approach to this problem with the special emphasis to bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) as one of the most modern, rapid and reliable ways to assess the composition of a body. The aim of the study was to examine body composition in adults, using BIA and comparing our data with the results of anthropometric measurements. Materials and methods. We used the materials of comprehensive medical and anthropological observation, made in 2010 in Archangelsk. 557 persons were investigated: 147 men and 410 women from 17 to 60 years old. The program included 20 somatic measurements and testing of the body composition with bioelectrical impedance analyser «ABC-01 Medass». Results and discussion. Comparative analysis of calculations of body composition, particularly, fat mass, obtained by using BIA and anthropometry (calculated by Matiegka’s formulae), indicated that results were very similar to each other, in spite of differences in these methods. Every method has advantages and disadvantages. Bioelectrical impedance analysis could give high precision to many compositions of the body (fat mass, skeletal muscle, active cell mass, phase angle etc.), but it is quite expensive. The classical anthropometrical technique (with the application of calculated formulae), although old-fashioned ( Matiegka’s formulae were developed in the last century) is still competitive to the advanced instrumental and computer technology, gives the reliable results and it is the most prevalent in mass screening examinations. Application of Deryabin’s scheme, based on anthropometrical technique, requires the knowledge of factor analysis and ability to interpret mathematical results in the context of morphology. The indices of Deryabin’s scheme provide an objective characteristic of general and private properties of constitution as well as individual components of body composition. This article also presents the analysis of age-related changes of fat mass (in normalized form), calculated using three methods: by Matiegka’s formulae, with bioelectrical impedance analysis and Deryabin’s scheme. The similarity of all techniques indicates that application of any of discussed above methods for the description of the intragroup variability and the analysis of age-related dynamics of adipopexis is appropriate. Testing of age-related changes in topography indices of fat mass (according to Deryabin’s scheme) showed the tendency of increasing the trunkal type in men and women. In the studying of age-related dynamics of cell active mass and phase angle, we observed decreasing of both characteristics with age (after 40 years), that is stronger expressed in the female group and refers to reducing of health level and physical activity. Conclusions. The evaluations of different body components, obtained with BIA and calculated by Matiegka’s formulae and Deryabin’s scheme give adequate characteristics of human somatotype. To define the body composition and constitutional features we can use classical anthropometrical methods as well as advanced instrumental and computer technologies. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), that has become popular during the last years, is quite easy in use, gives reliable results and complex evaluation not only of the body composition but also of physiological indicators, has methodological advantages in determining somatotype, physical development and total health level.
Lomonosov MSU, anthropology, body composition, anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), Matiegka’s formulae, Deryabin’s scheme
Цит.: Chtetsov V.P., Negasheva M.A., Lapshina N.E. The studying of body composition in adults: methodological aspects // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2012; 2/2012; с. 43-52
Download text