Analysis of Phase Angle and Balance and Gait Functions in Pre-Frail Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

We measured the muscle mass and phase angle of each body part to evaluate the relationship between balance and gait functions in individuals with a pre-frailty status. This cross-sectional observational study determined the skeletal muscle mass-to-body weight ratio and phase angles of 21 control (robust) and 29 pre-frail subjects. Their Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, Life-Space Assessment, and Modified Fall Efficacy Scale scores plus the relationship between muscle mass, phase angle, and motor function were evaluated. In the pre-frailty group (three males, 26 females, aged 75.58±7.60 years), significant correlations were noted between the Brief-Balance Evaluation Systems Test score and lower-limb (r=0.614) and wholebody (r=0.557) phase angles, and between the TUG test score and lower-limb muscle mass-to-body weight ratio (r=−0.616), lower-limb phase angle (r=−0.616), and whole-body phase angle (r=−0.527). Evaluating the phase angle of the lower extremities of pre-frail patients and intervening accordingly may help clinicians maintain and improve these patients’ balance and gait functions.