Distribution of Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis and Phase Angle in Korean Elderly and Sarcopenia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to verify whether bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) can support the clinical evaluation of sarcopenia in elderly individuals and evaluate the relationships between phase angle (PhA), physical performance, and muscle mass. Methods: The sample comprised 134 free-living elderly individuals of both sexes aged 69–91 years. Anthropometric parameters, grip strength, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry findings, bioimpedance analysis results, and physical performance were also measured. The impedance vector distributions were evaluated in elderly individuals using BIVA. Results: BIVA revealed significant differences between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups (both sexes). The sarcopenia group had a significantly lower PhA than the non-sarcopenia group in both sexes (p < 0.05). PhA was significantly correlated with age, appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), handgrip strength (HGS), and muscle quality in both sexes and significantly correlated with ASM/Height2 and physical performance in males. Conclusion: BIVA can be used as a field assessment method in elderly Koreans with sarcopenia. PhA is a good indicator of muscle strength, muscle quality, and physical performance in males. These methods can help diagnose sarcopenia in elderly individuals with reduced mobility.

Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients

“…Conversely, lower PhA values are associated with alterations in fluid balance and compromised membrane integrity [21,61]. A large body of evidence confirms that PhA is related to cellular health and hydration, muscle mass [62,63], muscle strength [64], and quality of soft tissues [20,61], reflecting cellular integrity [18]. Also, PhA has been useful as an indicator of muscle strength and muscle quality [64].…”

“…Also, BIVA was useful in detecting cachexia and dehydration in individual patients with PD [71]. The literature points to BIVA as a useful measure for detecting changes in muscle mass and sarcopenia in elderly people [64]. In a study performed with Alzheimer's patients, authors point to BIVA as a potential tool to identify initial shifts in body BC that might mirror the early symptoms of the disease process [27].…”

Diagnostic Criteria and Measurement Techniques of Sarcopenia: A Critical Evaluation of the Up-to-Date Evidence

“…The phase angle, directly derived from various Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) instruments, serves as a valuable measure for evaluating both muscle quantity and quality, as well as physical function [45][46][47][48]. The EWGSOP2 criteria acknowledge the phase angle as a robust marker for assessing muscle mass [9].…”