Association of Bioelectrical Impedance Phase Angle with Physical Performance and Nutrient Intake of Older Adults

Abstract

In recent years, the phase angle (PhA) as a raw bioelectrical impedance analysis variable has gained attention to assess cell integrity and its association to physical performance in either sports-related or clinical settings. However, data on healthy older adults are scarce. Therefore, data on body composition, physical performance and macronutrient intake from older adults (n = 326, 59.2% women, 75.2 ± 7.2 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Physical performance was evaluated by the Senior Fitness Test battery, gait speed, timed up and go and handgrip strength. Body composition was determined by the BIA and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (from a subgroup of n = 51). The PhA was negatively associated with the timed up and go test and age (r = −0.312 and −0.537, p < 0.001), and positively associated with the 6 min walk test, 30 s chair stand, handgrip strength, gait speed and physical performance score (r = 0.170–0.554, p < 0.05), but not protein intake (r = 0.050, p = 0.386). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that especially age, sex, BMI, but also the PhA predicted the performance test outcomes. In conclusion, the PhA seems to be an interesting contributor to physical performance, but sex- and age-specific norm values still need to be determined.

Phase Angle and Impedance Ratio as Indicators of Physical Function and Fear of Falling in Older Adult Women: Cross-Sectional Analysis

“…Reduced muscular strength and physical function in older adults has been associated with a lower PhA and higher IR [ 12 30 ]. In our study, we did not observe a strong correlation between HGS and PhA ( Table 3 ).…”

“…Aging also affects the musculoskeletal system, causing a decrease in skeletal muscle integrity, mass, strength, and function, along with an increase in the accumulation of noncontractile and adipose tissue [ 11 12 ]. Decreases in skeletal muscle integrity can result from a diminished cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, a transition from type II to type I fibers, and a loss of innervation [ 13 ].…”

“…Furthermore, PhA is influenced by hydration status and lean body mass [ 27 ]. Therefore, it directly relates to the electrical functioning of cell membranes, skeletal muscle integrity, and PhA itself [ 12 27 ]. Higher PhA values are indicative of superior cell membrane integrity and cellular health [ 10 ].…”

Association between preoperative phase angle and all‐cause mortality after cardiovascular surgery: A retrospective cohort study

“…This improvement was greater than that when other physical function indicators were added to the predictive model, although PhA is strongly correlated with physical performance. 11 , 32 , 33 The additive prognostic values of physical function measurements may be derived from preoperative sarcopenia and physical frailty measures, which have been reported to be associated with long‐term prognosis. 1 In addition, PhA may have provided further prognostic value by reflecting systemic health status, including malnutrition and inflammation, as well as physical status.…”

The Impact of Nutritional Markers and Dietary Habits on the Bioimpedance Phase Angle in Older Individuals

“…The intake of red meat and chicken has been correlated with PhA [ 23 ] in patients with type 2 diabetes. In contrast, Unterberger et al detected no relationship between protein intake and PhA in older individuals using 24 h dietary recalls through personal interviews [ 31 ]. In addition, we found no correlation between protein intake and PhA levels in males or females.…”