Project

A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner for human body composition assessment

Code
bof/bas/2025/110
Duration
01 December 2025 → 30 November 2027
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Preventive medicine
    • Human movement and sports sciences not elsewhere classified
    • Physiotherapy
    • Nutritional physiology
    • Public health nutrition
Keywords
Bone densitometry Body composition fat mass muscle mass
 
Project description

This proposal seeks funding for a DEXA scanner (GE Lunar iDXA Pro) to serve as new infrastructure placed at the Sport Science Laboratory – Jacques Rogge, part of UGent’s Core Facility MoveLab. DEXA scanning is the gold standard for non-invasive, precise assessment of body composition and bone density. Its acquisition will support leading research in sport science, nutrition, aging, and public health, enabling detailed, reproducible measurements of fat, lean mass, and bone health, including visceral adipose tissue and regional body composition. Despite UGent’s global recognition in sport and nutrition science, no scanner currently exists on its campuses. The scanner will be accessible to a wide interdisciplinary community at low cost and can also be integrated into teaching and elite sport services. Its long lifespan, safety, and broad utility make it a critical investment to advance UGent’s research missions.