Motor function is related to the lower phase angle than to muscle mass of the lower limbs in older females with hip osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Background

Muscle mass and phase angle (PhA) can be measured using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Osteoarthritis of the hip (OAhip) causes decreased muscle mass and PhA in the deformed lower limb. However, previous studies have not accounted for the influence of sex, and thus, the relationship between muscle mass, PhA, and motor function remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between PhA, an index of muscle mass and quality measured using BIA, and motor function during gait and standing in female patients with OAhip.

Methods

Muscle mass and PhA of patients with OAhip were measured using BIA. Motor function was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go test, ground reaction/weight, rate of force development/weight, and load ratio between the osteoarthritic (OA) and contralateral sides when standing up. The difference between the OA side and the contralateral lower limb was tested to clarify the characteristics of the deformed lower limb. The relationship between each motor function was determined using a partial correlation coefficient with age as a control variable and multiple regression analysis with each motor function as the dependent variable and age, OA-side muscle mass/body weight ratio, and PhA as independent variables.

Results

This study involved 60 patients with OAhip (age 65.6 ± 7.6 years, height 154.2 ± 6.0 cm, weight 56.8 ± 10.5 kg) scheduled for unilateral total hip arthroplasty. Muscle mass, PhA, and lower limb load ratio were significantly decreased in the lower limbs on the OA side. Furthermore, using a partial correlation coefficient with age as a control variable, PhA showed significant correlations with motor functions related to standing up and walking, and multiple regression analysis revealed that PhA was independently related to each motor function.

Conclusions

Evaluation and interventions that consider muscle quality rather than muscle mass are important.