A low phase angle determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis is associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia among institutionalized older adults

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) and its association with body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and functionality among institutionalized older adults. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted. The swallowing function and diagnosis of OD were evaluated with a volume-viscosity swallow test. Activities of daily living were evaluated by the Barthel Index. Body composition was evaluated by BIA, and phase angle (PhA) was determined. RESULTS Eighty institutionalized older adults were evaluated. The mean age of the study population was 82±9.5 years, and 65% were females. The OD prevalence was 30%, dependence was 30%, and sarcopenia was 16%. In the multivariate analysis, a low PhA (<3.5°) was independently associated with the presence of OD adjusted by sex and age (OR 2.60, 95%CI 2.41-2.90, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS A higher prevalence of OD was found. Significant and independent associations were found between low PhA, dependence, and sarcopenia with the presence of OD among institutionalized older persons.