Prediction of gait independence by using the phase angle in postoperative patients with proximal femoral fractures: a retrospective study

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between skeletal muscle mass and muscle quality by using bioelectrical impedance analysis and ambulatory independence in patients with proximal femoral fractures. [Participants and Methods] The study included 120 patients admitted to a recovery rehabilitation unit for whom follow-up assessments were available. Skeletal muscle mass and phase angle were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis upon admission. The patients were divided into the following two groups based on their Functional Independence Measure gait score at discharge: gait-independent group (gait score: ≥6; n=74) and gait-dependent group (gait score: ≤5; n=46). [Results] The phase angle was associated with gait independence. The cut-off values for the phase angle predicting gait independence were 4° and 3.8° for male and female patients, respectively, a more accurate assessment compared with skeletal muscle mass analysis. [Conclusion] The phase angle was associated with gait independence in patients with proximal femoral fractures. The results of this study suggest that the evaluation of the phase angle is important for predicting gait independence in patients with proximal femoral fractures.