Body composition and functional assessment of nutritional status in adults: a narrative review of imaging, impedance, strength and functional techniques

The accurate and valid assessment of body composition is essential for the
diagnostic evaluation of nutritional status, identifying relevant outcome
measures, and determining the effectiveness of current and future nutritional
interventions. Developments in technology and our understanding of
the influences of body composition on risk and outcome will provide practitioners
with new opportunities to enhance current practice and to lead
future improvements in practice. This is the second of a two-part narrative
review that aims to critically evaluate body composition methodology in
diverse adult populations, with a primary focus on its use in the assessment
and monitoring of under-nutrition. Part one focused on anthropometric
variables [Madden and Smith (2016) J Hum Nutr Diet 29: 7–25] and part
two focuses on the use of imaging techniques, bioelectrical impedance analysis,
markers of muscle strength and functional status, with particular reference
to developments relevant to practice.