Longitudinal study on the relationship between extracellular water distribution changes and muscle mass in severe sarcopenia patients using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis combined with phase angle measurements

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to find early signs of severe sarcopenia by tracking changes in body water distribution and muscle mass over time. Findings: A measure called "phase angle" dropped steadily over one year and strongly predicted future muscle loss. The ratio of extracellular water in the body also rose significantly as patients lost muscle. These electrical changes appeared weeks before muscle loss became obvious, especially in the arms and legs. Message: A simple, non-invasive test that combines phase angle and water distribution measurements can help detect sarcopenia earlier-giving doctors a critical window to act before severe muscle wasting occurs.