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Phase Angle Reflects Loss of Functionality in Older Women

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The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Objective

This study verified if the phase angle (PA) formed by the resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) obtained from bioimpedance (BIA) might be a useful tool to identify functionality.

Design and Participants

It was conducted a cross-sectional study with 152 women ≥ 65 years old from the community.

Measurements

Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), hand grip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), fat free mass (FFM), body fat (BF), PA with R and Xc from the BIA were measured. Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations and the odds ratio (OR) were performed using the IBM SPSS software version 22.0.

Results

Sixty-four percent (n=98) women are with PA below the reference. Negative moderate significant correlation was found between PA and age (r =−0.440*; p<0.001). Moderate significant correlation was observed between PA and GS (r = 0.484**; p<0.001). Weak significant correlation was found between PA and HGS (r = 0.177*; p = 0.029). Odds ratio (OR) demonstrated that individuals with PA above the mean value have 4.77 times more chances of having increased GS (confidence interval 2.40–9.48; 95%). Women aged below the mean value have 4.02 times more chances of having higher PA (confidence interval 2.02–7.99; 95%). Younger aged women showed 4.02 times more chances of having higher PA (confidence interval 2.02–7.99; 95%).

Conclusions

Phase angle can be associated with functional tests, such as gait speed and hand grip strength, in older women.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the grants from National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq/306179/2016-4). We also thank the Clinic Hospital of Federal University of Parana (UFPR). This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Multiprofessional Integrated Residency Program in Hospital Care, Clinics Hospital Complex, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    D. C. D. Bittencourt & D. S. Macedo

  2. Postgraduate Program on Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    M. E. M. Schieferdecker & Estela Iraci Rabito

  3. Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    S. Biesek & A. R. Silveira Gomes

  4. Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    A. R. Silveira Gomes

Authors
  1. D. C. D. Bittencourt
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  2. M. E. M. Schieferdecker
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  3. D. S. Macedo
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  4. S. Biesek
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  5. A. R. Silveira Gomes
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  6. Estela Iraci Rabito
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Estela Iraci Rabito.

Ethics declarations

Ethicals standards: This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Clinics Hospital Complex, Federal University of Paraná (approval number: CAAE 58865916.8.0000.0096) and complied with the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki.

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Conflict of Interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.

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Bittencourt, D.C.D., Schieferdecker, M.E.M., Macedo, D.S. et al. Phase Angle Reflects Loss of Functionality in Older Women. J Nutr Health Aging 24, 251–254 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-020-1324-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-020-1324-5

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