Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis-Derived Phase Angle and Body Composition Are Predictors of Health-Related Fitness in Children and Adolescents with Obesity

Abstract

There is little evidence in children and adolescents with obesity of the relationships between muscle strength/cardiorespiratory fitness (both components of health-related fitness = HRF) and body composition. Body composition and HRF were studied in 281 children and adolescents with obesity to explore their mutual relationship and to identify the predictors of HRF. By performing a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), the fat-free mass (FFM) and percentage of body fat (%BF) were calculated, and the phase angle (PhA) was recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS), the standard broad jump (SBJ), and five broad jumps (FIVEBJ) were considered for the assessment of muscle strength, and the six-minute walking distance (SIXMWD) for cardiorespiratory fitness. The BMI Z-score was slightly higher in boys, and the %BF was higher in girls, with no difference in the FFM. HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ were greater in the male sex. After controlling for sex, HGS was associated with the FFM, and with height, weight, and absolute BMI. On the contrary, the SBJ and FIVEBJ were negatively associated with adiposity, with a weak relationship with the FFM. The SIXMWD was only poorly related to height, the BMI Z-score, and the waist-to-height ratio. These results were confirmed with a multiple regression analysis. HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ were higher in the first compared to the third tertile of the PhA in both sexes. The PhA also remained a consistent predictor of HGS, the SBJ, and FIVEBJ in a multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, the following predictors have been identified for HRF: the FFM for the isometric strength of the upper limbs and adiposity indicators for the SBJ and FIVEBJ. The PhA emerged as a proxy index of muscle strength.

Analysis of Morphological Parameters and Body Composition in Adolescents with and without Intellectual Disability

“…Though no statistical differences between groups were recorded, the means per group ( Table 8 ) of the BMI exceeded the WHO guidelines [ 19 ]. Recent research shows similar findings among children without intellectual disability [ 20 , 21 ] and with intellectual disability [ 22 ]. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity among European teenagers is 22–25% [ 23 ].…”

Early prediction of body composition parameters on metabolically unhealthy in the Chinese population via advanced machine learning

“…PhA for the trunk, leg, and whole body had significant negative correlations with %BF in each sex, and positive correlations with free fat mass in males. Another study found that PhA was a predictor of health-related fitness in children and adolescents with obesity ( 32 ). Moreover, PhA is an indicator of cellular health in chronic inflammatory states, which has been recommended as a prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality in various chronic inflammatory states, including obesity ( 33 ).…”

Cook with Different Pots, but Similar Taste? Comparison of Phase Angle Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis According to Device Type and Examination Posture

“…In patients with sarcopenia, postoperative patients, chronic kidney disease patients, critically ill patients, and malnourished patients, phA can predict mortality [ 5 , 9 , 10 , 14 , 22 ]. The phA has also been studied in children and adolescents and has the potential to be a marker of muscle strength index [ 23 ].…”