Association of bioimpedance phase angle and prospective falls in older adults

Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle has been shown to reflect multiple health conditions, including sarcopenia and malnutrition. We aimed to investigate the prospective association between phase angle and incident falls in older adults.

Community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years (n = 205) participated in this study. Phase angle was examined using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline. Participants in the first tertile (T1), which had the lowest phase angle, were compared with those in the second and third tertiles (T2/3). Potential confounding factors, such as demographics, sarcopenia status and medications, were also assessed. Falls were recorded prospectively using falls diaries.

Over a median follow-up period of 181 days, a total of 11.7% of the sample (n = 24) experienced falls, with an overall incidence rate of 250.4 per 1000 person-years. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that T1 had a significant relationship to incident falls compared with T2/3 (hazard ratio 2.51, 95% confidence interval 1.13-5.60). Multivariate Cox regression analysis with stepwise selection identified the phase angle (hazard ratio 2.32, 95% CI 1.03-5.21) and the number of medications (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.003-1.45) as significant risk factors for incident falls.

Older adults with lower phase angles are more likely to experience prospective falls compared with those with normal-high phase angles. Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle can be used as a valuable prognostic tool to predict future falls and the resulting negative consequences in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 503-507.