Precision of the Hologic Horizon A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the assessment of body composition

Abstract

BackgroundAs the number of individuals with obesity increases, so too will the demand for a precise, cost-effective and safe method to better risk-stratify this heterogenous population. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, a body composition measurement has been associated with the many facets of the metabolic syndrome. AimTo determine the precision of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in providing body composition measurements, including VAT area, using the Hologic Horizon A scanner. MethodThirty participants (mean age 64 years, 47% male), underwent two sequential body composition scans. The coefficient of variation (CV) and least significant change (LSC) were calculated for android/gynoid ratio, appendicular lean/height2, lean/height2, total body fat and lean mass, total body mass, and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and VAT area. Participants were stratified according to age (<70 or ≥70 years), body mass index (BMI) (≤30 kg/m2 or >30 kg/m2) and sex (male or female). The CV was calculated for each parameter and then analysed for differences between groups. ResultsThe CV for all parameters was <3% with the exception of SAT (3.86%). The CV of VAT area was 2.63% with a LSC at 95% confidence of 7.28%. Apart from the CV differences between males and females for android/gynoid ratio (male: 3.56% vs. female: 1.74%, p = 0.01) and SAT area (5.04% vs. 2.46%, p = 0.01), there were no significant differences identified between the calculated CV for all other body composition parameters when participants were stratified by age, BMI and sex. ConclusionDXA scanning, using the Hologic Horizon A system, is capable of providing precise body composition measurements.