ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study verified if the phase angle (PA) formed by the resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) obtained from bioimpedance (BIA) might be a useful tool to identify functionality. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: It was conducted a cross-sectional study with 152 women ≥ 65 years old from the community. MEASUREMENTS: weight, height, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), hand grip strength (HGS), gait speed (GS), fat free mass (FFM), body fat (BF), PA with R and Xc from the BIA were measured. Spearman's and Pearson's correlations and the odds ratio (OR) were performed using the IBM SPSS software version 22.0. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent (n=98) women are with PA below the reference. Negative moderate significant correlation was found between PA and age (r =- 0.440*; p<0.001). Moderate significant correlation was observed between PA and GS (r = 0.484**; p<0.001). Weak significant correlation was found between PA and HGS (r = 0.177*; p = 0.029). Odds ratio (OR) demonstrated that individuals with PA above the mean value have 4.77 times more chances of having increased GS (confidence interval 2.40-9.48; 95%). Women aged below the mean value have 4.02 times more chances of having higher PA (confidence interval 2.02-7.99; 95%). Younger aged women showed 4.02 times more chances of having higher PA (confidence interval 2.02-7.99; 95%). CONCLUSIONS: Phase angle can be associated with functional tests, such as gait speed and hand grip strength, in older women.
