Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Technologies for Skeletal Muscle Assessment in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

This project aims to conduct a scoping review to systematically map the technological approaches of bioelectrical impedance analysis used for skeletal muscle mass assessment in older adults. Although bioelectrical impedance analysis has been widely applied in this population because of its non-invasive nature, portability, and feasibility in both clinical and community settings, substantial heterogeneity exists in the way the technology is implemented across studies. Differences in frequency strategies, measurement configurations, and definitions of muscle-related outcomes indicate that studies addressing similar research questions may rely on markedly different technical designs. Most existing reviews in this field have focused on evaluating diagnostic accuracy or the predictive performance of bioelectrical impedance–based equations. In contrast, the present scoping review is designed to examine the technological and methodological characteristics that underpin these applications. The review will identify and classify the frequency strategies used for measurement, the configurations adopted for data acquisition, and the muscle-related outcomes reported in studies involving older adults. By systematically charting and synthesizing these technological features, this review seeks to provide a structured overview of how bioelectrical impedance analysis is currently applied for skeletal muscle assessment in older populations, rather than to compare the relative accuracy or effectiveness of different approaches. The expected outcome is a comprehensive mapping of technological pathways and their research contexts, highlighting prevailing patterns of use, methodological diversity, and areas in which reporting practices and standardization remain limited. This work is intended to inform future study design, support clearer interpretation of existing evidence, and contribute to more consistent and transparent application of bioelectrical impedance analysis in research and practice involving older adults.