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Abstract
Aging entails a series of physiological changes that affect body composition, muscle quality, and postural control—factors closely linked to the risk of falls and functional decline. Segmental lean mass, body mass index (BMI), and phase angle (PhA) have been shown to be significant predictors of stability in older adults. Recent literature suggests that obesity and poor muscle quality are associated with reduced complexity in postural control, while greater lean body mass and PhA are associated with better balance and a lower risk of falls. To investigate the relationship between body composition and anthropometry and dynamic postural balance in older adults in rural areas of Ecuador, as assessed using the Tinetti Scale. A cross-sectional, analytical observational study. Older adults aged ≥65 years will be included, divided into BMI categories. Multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA) will be used to estimate segmental lean mass and PhA. Muscle quality will be calculated as strength relative to lean mass using dynamometry. We expect to find that higher segmental lean mass and elevated PhA are associated with better postural control, while obesity is associated with lower stability.
References
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