A new bioelectrical impedance method has been developed a)d evaluated. The electrodes were made of stainless steel and electrical interfaces were created by an upright subject gripping hand elecovdes and stepping onto foot eiectrodes, Eight tactile electrodes were in contact with surfaces of lx>th hancLs and feet; thumb, palm and fingers, front sole, and rear sole. Automatic on-off swit. Ches were used to change current pathways and to measure voltage differences for target segments, Segmental bady resistaoces and wh.ole body resistance(Rw, r,) were measured in 60 healthy subjects. Segmental resistances of right arm(Rw), lef1 arm(R*), trunk(Ry), right leg(R) and left leg(R,) were 310.0 61.6 Q, 316.9+64.6 C, 25.1.'-3.4 Q, 236.8+31.2 2 and 237.6 30.4 5.!., respective1y. Lndividual segmental impedance indexes(Ht2/RRA, Ht2/RT, and Ht2/RLA) were closely related to lean bodv mass(1.BM) as measured by densitometry ranged fvom r= 0.92S to 0.960. Ht:f(Rp+Ry+R) predicted LBM slightly better(r-0.969) than the traditivnal index, Hti/ l4>qo>,(r-0.964), supporting the accuracy of the segmental rneasurement. A multip1e regression equation uutilizing Htgky, HtgR and Ht/Ra< predicted LBM with r0.971. HtpR terrn of the regression contributed to more than 40% of the LBM prediction, indicating that tean mass ot an represented whole bodv LBM mare closely than other body segments. The new electrode method was characterized by upright posture, eight tactile electrodes, segmental measurements and utilization of electronic switches in comparison with the conventional method, The measurement with this new method was extremely reproducible, quick and easy to liSC.