Is low phase angle a risk indicator for frailty and pre-frailty among community-dwelling older adults?

Studies investigating the association between the phase angle (PA) and frailty are scarce. The PA is considered a practical, low-cost, noninvasive measure for the early identification of this clinical condition. To investigate the association between PA and frailty/pre-frailty, nutritional and clinical aspects in older people. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 51 older people (>= 60 years). PA was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Frailty profile was determined using the criteria of unintentional weight loss, self-reported fatigue, slow gait speed, low grip strength and insufficient physical activity. Nutritional status was evaluated based on the body mass index and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMMI). Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were also investigated. Sociodemographic data were collected through interviews. Prevalence of frailty/pre-frailty was 84.3%, with no difference between the sexes. The first tercile of the sample had a PA lower than 6o, which was considered low. No significant difference in PA was found between older people with or without frailty/pre-frailty. In the multiple linear regression analysis, age and ASMMI were shown to be potential independent predictors for PA. Age showed an inverse correlation with PA, while ASMMI showed a direct correlation. No association was found between PA and frailty or pre-frailty.

Automated summary

Studies on the association between PA and frailty are limited, but PA is considered a practical tool for identifying frailty early. This study investigated the relationship between PA and frailty/pre-frailty, as well as nutritional and clinical aspects in older individuals. The prevalence of frailty/pre-frailty was 84.3%, and age and ASMMI were identified as potential independent predictors for PA.