Phase angle predicts physical function in older adults

Phase angle (PhA) is recognized as an indicator of cellular health and may be a useful marker of physical functions in geriatric populations.

We aim to analyse the ability of the Phase angle (PhA) to predict the physical function in older adults.

113 healthy older adults (67 female and 46 male) performed physical tests using the Fullerton Battery - Senior Fitness Test, to assess their physical fitness. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy was used to determine PhA at 50KHz and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to assess body composition.

PhA was positively associated with functional fitness composite, chair stand, arm curl and 6 min walk test and negatively related with chair sit-and-reach and 8-foot and go (p < 0.05). Even after adjusting for potential confounding variables such as age, sex and appendicular lean soft tissue, PhA showed an association with arm curl (ß = 0.23,p = 0.038), and 8-foot and go (ß=-0.214,p = 0.042).

Higher values of PhA are related with a better physical function. Regardless of sex, age, and skeletal muscle, PhA predicts body strength, agility and dynamic balance in healthy older adults.