Multi-Frequency BIA and Neural Network Technology
Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) estimates body composition by passing small electrical currents at different frequencies through the body and measuring the resistance. The Charder MA601 (VM-MA601BCA) uses three frequencies, 5kHz, 50kHz and 250kHz, and combines them with Charder’s proprietary artificial neural network technology. It reports a positive correlation coefficient of 95% with DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). The 5kHz current does not penetrate cell membranes and measures extracellular water only, while the 50kHz and 250kHz currents penetrate cell membranes and measure total body water. Together these measurements separate body water into intracellular (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) fractions. This is what distinguishes multi-frequency BIA from simpler single-frequency devices. It also provides the basis for calculating fat-free mass, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass across a wide range of body compositions and patient populations.
Segmental Analysis, BIVA and Result Parameters
The MA601 has eight electrodes (four hand and four foot contacts) and analyses five body segments: right arm, left arm, trunk, right leg and left leg. Muscle mass and fat mass are reported for each segment, which shows asymmetries and regional differences that whole-body measurements miss. The device also includes BIVA (bio-impedance vector analysis), which is used in clinical settings to assess hydration status, particularly in renal, cardiac and oncology patients where fluid overload or depletion is clinically significant. The result sheet covers body composition analysis (ICW, ECW, TBW, protein, mineral, BFM, SLM, FFM and weight), muscle-fat analysis, obesity analysis (BMI and PBF), segmental lean and fat analysis, body type analysis, muscle quality assessment, fitness parameters (visceral fat area, WHR, waist circumference, phase angle, BMR and skeletal muscle index) and a healthy score. A measurement takes less than 60 seconds.
Interface, Connectivity and Deployment
The MA601 has a 7-inch wide colour LCD (800 x 480 pixels) with touch screen and keypad input. It supports patients from age 6 to 85 years, with a capacity of 300kg and 0.1kg graduation. Two USB outputs, WiFi, RJ45 Ethernet and optional Bluetooth support standalone use as well as networked data management in multi-user clinical environments. The unit measures 506(D) x 450(W) x 1025(H)mm and weighs approximately 12kg. Its performance is supported by 41 international journal publications and 29 conference papers. Available in South Africa from Vital Medical, the MA601 suits hospitals, obesity clinics, sports science centres, physiotherapy practices and corporate wellness programmes that need segmental body composition and hydration data.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Charder |
| Model | MA601 |
| SKU | VM-MA601BCA |
| Type | Multi-frequency body composition analyser |
| Measurement method | Multi-frequency BIA with artificial neural network |
| Electrodes | 8 (hand + foot) |
| Frequencies | 3 (5kHz, 50kHz, 250kHz) |
| Display | 7-inch wide colour LCD, 800 x 480 pixels |
| Input | Touch screen + keypad |
| Capacity | 300kg |
| Graduation | 0.1kg |
| Applicable age | 6 to 85 years |
| Output | USB x 2 |
| Connectivity | WiFi x 1, RJ45 Ethernet x 1, Bluetooth x 1 (optional) |
| Dimensions | 506(D) x 450(W) x 1025(H)mm |
| Weight | Approximately 12kg |
| Measurement time | Less than 60 seconds |
| Result parameters | ICW, ECW, TBW, protein, mineral, BFM, SLM, FFM, SMM, BMI, PBF, segmental lean/fat (5 segments), muscle quality, visceral fat area, WHR, BMR, phase angle, body type analysis, healthy score |
