Phase Angle Is Positively Associated With Handgrip Strength in Hospitalized Individuals

Abstract

The biological meaning of phase angle (PhA) is not well known, and one determinant of PhA might be muscle function. However, the research is still in its infancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of PhA with handgrip strength (HGS) in hospitalized individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating 139 patients older than 18 years who were admitted to a university hospital. Weight, height, circumferences, and skinfolds were measured. In addition, PhA was estimated by bioelectrical impedance and HGS was measured using a dynamometer. Individuals were classified for lower PhA (median values; <6.0° for women and <5.7° for men) and low HGS (<20 kg for women and <30 kg for men). We found that PhA was positively correlated with HGS ( r = 0.54; P < .05), and after regression analysis, PhA was able to predict 29% of the variance in HGS. In addition, it was noted that individuals with lower PhA values presented with higher odds to have low HGS values (OR = 4.152; 95% CI, 1.854-9.295). Thus, PhA was positively associated with HGS, suggesting that PhA might be used as a predictor of muscle strength in hospitalized patients.