Techniques in anthropometry and anthropometry for the elderly have been an area of interest for the Lifespan Health Research Center's staff. By scanning different anatomical regions, total body as well as segmented determinations may be made for, among other variables, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, muscle mass and percent of body fat. Leanness, or specifically the amount of fat free mass, as well as total body fat and percent body fat is measured through the use of underwater weighing . In order to precisely calculate the amount of fat free mass, the lung residual volume is calculated to determine the volume of trapped air at maximal expiration. Bioelectrical impedance testing is performed in order to determine the amount of various body fluids as well as a measure for leanness.
Electrodes are placed upon hands and feet and a small electrical current is passed through the body.
Measurements for subcutaneous fat is made through the use of ultrasound . Ultrasound is performed and measured on participants at 5 key sites on the body. Subcutaneous fat is also measured through the anthropometry portion of the testing. Deuterium is a non-radioactive naturally occurring molecule of water. The hydrogen atoms in deuterium are heavier than those that normally combine with oxygen to form water.