Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis, Nutritional Ultrasound^®, and Handgrip Strength as Innovative Methods for Monitoring Critical Anorexia Nervosa Physical Recovery: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) manifest as persistent disruptions in eating habits or related behaviors, significantly impacting physical health and psychosocial well-being. Nutritional assessment in ED patients is crucial for monitoring treatment efficacy. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) remains standard, interest in alternative methods such as bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and Nutritional Ultrasound® (NU) has risen due to their affordability and portability. Additionally, hand dynamometry offers a user-friendly approach to assessing grip strength (HGS), indicative of nutritional status. A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the utility of BIVA, NU®, and HGS in 43 female AN patients. Measurements were taken at baseline and hospital discharge. A total of 41 patients completed the study. After the intervention, numerous BIVA-related parameters such as fat (3.5 ± 2 kg vs. 5.3 ± 2.7 kg, p p ® showed promising results in assessing body composition changes such as total abdominal fat tissue (0.5 ± 0.3 cm vs. 0.9 ± 0.3 cm, p p p p p p ®-, and HGS-enhanced nutritional assessment into the treatment of AN patients offers cost-effective, portable, and non-invasive alternatives to DEXA. These techniques offer valuable insights into changes in body composition and nutritional status, which, in turn, facilitate treatment monitoring and contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Keywords

• anorexia nervosa
• body composition
• anthropometric
• BIVA
• HGS
• dynamometer