Date of Completion

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Fat-to-muscle Ratio, Fat Mass, Fat Free Mass, Hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is multifactorial and one of the factors considered in hypertension is obesity. BMI is the ratio of height and weight but it does not differentiate between fat mass (FM), fatfree mass (FFM), and fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR). There is a need to collate evidence on the correlation of FM, FFM, FMR to hypertension since BMI is still questionable for measuring obesity, and given that adiposity indices show a correlation with the incidence of hypertension.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted by six researchers. EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Wiley databases were used to search for literature. Pearling strategy was also applied to increase the number of literature. The review process was done individually and consensus meetings were conducted to confirm studies and data to be included, and appraisal. The retrieved articles were appraised based on hierarchy level, methodological quality, statistical significance, clinical significance, and relevance. Risk of bias was examined using the criteria set by the Cochrane Library organization.

Results:13 studies were included in the review, (1) FMR, (2) FFM, and (10) FM. Results showed that high values of FMR were significantly associated with hypertension. FFM showed the strongest correlation for Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) values. However, it was not the best correlate for elevated blood pressure. FM had good correlation with hypertension, SBP, and DBP. Increased FM showed increased odds for hypertension.

Discussion: All three measurements showed a correlation with hypertension. FM showed the best data because of the amount of studies available. FFM has been increasingly studied in recent years but data is still behind and FMR has only been relatively recently studied and though information is still limited the measurement has been seen to have a good use and potential.

First Advisor

Reynaldo G. Cruz

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