Multi-frequency bioimpedance in human muscle assessment

Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is a well-known and tested method for body mass and muscular health assessment. Multi-frequency BIA (mfBIA) equipment now makes it possible to assess a particular muscle as a whole, as well as looking at a muscle at the fiber level. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that mfBIA can be used to assess the anatomical, physiological, and metabolic state of skeletal muscles. mfBIA measurements focusing on impedance, resistance, reactance, phase angle, center frequency, membrane capacitance, and both extracellular and intracellular resistance were carried out. Eight healthy human control subjects and three selected cases were examined to demonstrate the extent to which this method may be used clinically, and in relation to training in sport. The electrode setup is shown to affect the mfBIA parameters recorded. Our recommendation is the use of noble metal electrodes in connection with a conductance paste to accommodate the typical BIA frequencies, and to facilitate accurate impedance and resistance measurements. The use of mfBIA parameters, often in conjunction with each other, can be used to reveal indications of contralateral muscle loss, extracellular fluid differences, contracted state, and cell transport/metabolic activity, which relate to muscle performance. Our findings indicate that mfBIA provides a noninvasive, easily measurable and very precise momentary assessment of skeletal muscles

The efficacy of karkadeh tea in controlling post-prandial blood glucose levels

Problem statement: Increasing interest from the general public to use herbal remedies, exposes a considerable need to document ancient medical practices, as well as to investigate the efficacy of ancient compounds currently reputed to have medicinal benefits for such diseases as diabetes and obesity. Approach: In order to investigate the efficacy of karkadeh Roselle-Hibiscus sabdariffa tea as a means of reducing post-prandial blood glucose levels in human subjects, 10 g of dried karkadeh was brewed in 500 mL of water, allowed to infuse for 60 min and imbibed along with a high glycemic index food. Results: Data showed that in one individual, karkadeh tea taken in connection with a carbohydrate based breakfast meal resulted in a significant increase (17%; p\u3c0.01) in blood glucose level cf. an ordinary breakfast tea 60 min after ingestion. Moreover, in a study involving eight individuals, a slower rise to maximum levels and a greater Area Under the Curve (AUC) in terms of blood glucose was noted for the karkadeh tea plus a high glycemic index food cf. that of water imbibition with an identical high glycemic food. Conclusion/Recommendations: Karkadeh tea appears to have an effect in terms of slowing the rate of rise in blood glucose following consumption of a high glycemic index food, but that ultimately it induces a greater degree of glucose absorption cf. other types of imbibed fluids. © 2009 Science Publications