摘要 |
The unique system of the present invention provides an accurate valid measurement of human body composition consisting of fat tissue, lean tissue and body water. The inventive methodology provides a procedure for quantitative measurement of the conductive potential of the body, which is based on the lean tissue content of the body, in a convenient and reliable manner. In more detail, the quantitative measurement in accordance with the present invention is referred to as a "bio-impedance signal." This electrical signal, in ohms, is derived from a means for measuring body impedance component of the system. The resultant signal (three digit number, between 1 and 1000 ohms) is then entered into a modifying means component to accurately predict the body composition of the tested individual. The unique modifying means, in one embodied form, comprises prediction formulas derived from biological data inputs including: a patient's height, weight, age and sex, to determine a "population prediction variable." Thus, the unique modifying means of the inventive system interprets bio-impedance readings as "population specific", i.e., specific impedance values are exhibited by various pre-defined populations of individuals. This specificity is related to morph-type, leanness, body water and age. In accordance with the present invention, an algorithm formula approach to prediction formulas is utilized to define an appropriate individual or set of variables. |