Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Bioelectrical impedance analysis is a tool used in doctor’s offices and health clubs to estimate a person’s fat free mass (FFM) by analyzing a small electrical current. This lab enables students to explore concepts like resistance, reactance, impedance, and phase shift. It also emphasizes the relevance of general physics to pre-health courses. Students use the apparatus to measure known components and then measure the FFM of the body; this makes the applications of the physics apparent to students.
Learning Goals
Laboratory Instructions
BIA Laboratory Guide (pdf) (docx)
Assessments
Resources
Publications
Elliot Mylott, Ellynne Kutschera, and Ralf Widenhorn, "Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a laboratory activity: at the interface of physics and the body." Am. J. Phys., Accepted Feb. 7, 2014.
Awards:
Low Cost Award Winner at the AAPT 2012 Summer Meeting Apparatus Competition.
Elliot Mylott, Sabrina Hoffman, and Ralf Widenhorn.
http://www.aapt.org/Programs/contests/2012-Apparatus-Competition-Winners.cfm