Utilization of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases: a systematic review.

Introduction . Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) emerges as a technique that utilizes raw parameters of bioelectrical impedance analysis and assumes the use of a reference population for information analysis. Objective . To summarize the reference values, main studies objectives, approaches, pre-test recommendations and technical characteristics of the devices employed in studies utilizing BIVA among children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases. Methods . A systematic search was conducted in nine electronic databases (CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and Web of Science). Studies with different designs which allowed extracting information regarding reference values of BIVA in children and adolescents without diagnosed diseases, aged 19 years or younger, were included. The systematic review followed PRISMA procedures and was registered in PROSPERO (registration: CRD42023391069). Results . After applying the eligibility criteria, 36 studies were included. Twenty studies (55.6%) analyzed body composition using BIVA, thirteen studies (36.1%) aimed to establish reference values for BIVA, and three studies (8.3%) investigated the association of physical performance with BIVA. There was heterogeneity regarding the reference populations employed by the studies. Fifteen studies used their own sample as a reference (41.6%), four studies used the adult population as a reference (11.1%), and five studies used reference values from athletes (13.9%). Conclusion . Nutricional status and body composition were the main studies objectives. References values were not always adequate or specific for the sample and population. Furthermore, there was no pattern of pre-test recommendations among the studies.