About this Research Topic
Multidimensional Physiology: Novel Techniques and Discoveries with Bioimpedance Measurements
Bioimpedance refers to the inherent electrical characteristic of biological tissues that resist the flow of an externally applied electric current. Typically, the bioimpedance technique involves the application of surface electrodes that administer safe electrical currents into the human body while simultaneously measuring the resultant voltages. These measurements are then analyzed through application-specific protocols to assess the impedance values in designated regions. Owing to its strong correlation with body composition and various physiological or pathological states, bioimpedance has become extensively employed in contemporary medical practices. This includes applications such as Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) for nutritional assessment, Impedance Cardiography (ICG) for cardiac output estimation, Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) for monitoring regional lung ventilation and perfusion, and Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) for muscle condition evaluation. Additionally, bioimpedance has been instrumental in assessing human functional status in specialized fields like aviation and space medicine. Over the past decades, the surge in related scholarly articles, with more than 7,000 publications indexed on PubMed, underscores the dynamic and growing relevance of bioimpedance in medical engineering.
Physiological and medical insights are often derived using specialized media and methodologies. Techniques such as computed tomography and digital radiography leverage X-rays to visualize anatomical structures, while clinical echography utilizes ultrasound to explore anatomical or functional phenomena. Similarly, pulse oximeters employ near-infrared rays to measure blood oxygen levels. This Research Topic specifically emphasizes bioimpedance as an innovative medium and technique. It aims to enhance our understanding of the relationships between physiology and bioimpedance, as well as the physiological basis of bioimpedance characteristics in both healthy and diseased states. Furthermore, this topic seeks to explore new physiological or medical applications of emerging bioimpedance techniques, particularly in specialized environments.
Following the successful hosting of our inaugural research topic on bioimpedance in 2023, we once again welcome submissions of basic, translational, clinical, and applied research that enhance the development and utilization of bioimpedance techniques to elucidate their roles in health and disease. Areas of interest for this special issue include, but are not limited to:
- Utilization of Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) or spectroscopy for evaluating body composition and assessing malnutrition.
- Impedance Cardiography (ICG) techniques for analyzing cardiac output under various physiological conditions.
- Applications of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) in physiological and medical settings.
- Use of Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) for determining muscle fatigue or damage extent.
- Innovations in bioimpedance techniques aimed at advancing physiological or medical knowledge.
We strongly encourage the submission of various article types to this collection, particularly systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and original research papers that contribute to the body of knowledge on any aspect of bioimpedance in physiological or medical research.
Keywords: bioimpedance analysis, impedance cardiogram, electrical impedance tomography, electrical impedance myography, measurement parameter optimization, functional evaluation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.