Holtain Ltd. have been leaders in the manufacture of precision anthropometric measuring equipment for over 25 years and our products are known throughout the world.
Our policy is to combine proven research with modern technology.
In keeping with this aim, we have now developed, in conjunction with the Institute of Child Health, University of London and the Dunn Nutrition Unit, Medical Research Council an electronic Body Composition Analyser (BCA).
Research has shown that bioelectrical impedance can form the basis for accurate determination of total body water, fat-free mass and body fat.
The Holtain BCA provides the means of taking the required readings accurately and reliably. The method it uses is safe, noninvasive, rapid, inexpensive and convenient
Scientific studies have shown a favourable comparison with techniques such as isotope dilution and hydrostatic weighing. The bioelectrical impedance measurement method produces results of comparable accuracy but much more cheaply, quickly and easily.
There is a very high correspondence of results with the Holtain BCA both in test/retest situations and between operators, thereby eliminating problems often associated with other methods of assessment
As the measurement of basa lmetabolic rate is both a slow and complicated process, approximations are often widely used. Research has shown the fat-free mass based approximation method to be a better estimator for Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) than body weight or body surface area. Estimates of BMR used in our analysis are based on work done by A.T. Miller and C.S. Blyth in 1953 which compared the correlations between measured BMR and various physical measurements. The correlations were:-
BMR and surface area 0.84
BMR and body weight 0.85
BMR and fat-free mass 0.92
The Holtain Body Composition Analyser is simple to use and requires very little in the way of operator training and familiarisation.
The system is powered by PP3 batteries and is completely safe.
The bioelectrical impedance measurement method has been compared with other methods of measuring bodv composition and very high correlations were found in all cases.
It must be pointed out however, that the subjects under study were (and were required to be) in a normal state of hydration.
To perform a body composition analysis, electrodes are placed on the right wrist and ankle. A harmless, high frequency alternating current is applied and the impedance measured.
This impedance reading is used in conjunction with accurately measured height and weight to produce the body composition analysis.
Body composition analysis gives total body water, fat-free mass, fat mass, percentage body fat, estimated basal metabolic rate, ideal weight, and if the subject is overweight, target weight loss. The results are presented as clear simple readouts. Thus the scope for use is wide- from medical practitioners to fitness specialists, health clubs and weight loss centres.
The Holtain BCA system contains all that is required to perform complete body composition analysis of a subject.
After measuring the subject's weight and height, the impedance reading is quickly obtained using the Analyser. The analysis is performed using a Psion Organiser. A significant advantage of using the Organiser is that it is not dedicated to body composition analysis alone. All the facilities of this popular and versatile machine are always available. (The only restriction is that when perorming a body composition analysis, the special datapack supplied with the Organiser must be in place.)
Please note that we will be closing at 12:00 on Friday December 19th 2008 for Christmas and will reopen at 09:00 on Monday 5th January 2009.
Tuesday 6th January 2009
Tel: 0845 8381976 (Int: +44 1239 891656)
Fax: 020 8020 1103 (Int: +44 20 8020 1103)
Crosswell, Crymych, Pembs., SA41 3UF, UK.
Registered in Wales No. 646316
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Fullbore Software Development 2009
