Latent profiles of body composition in older adults with hypertension: associations with physical fitness and differences in blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the body composition profiles of older adults with hypertension and examine their associations with physical fitness and cardiometabolic characteristics.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 491 community-dwelling older adults with hypertension. Latent profile analysis was conducted using eight body composition indicators. Associations between age, physical fitness components, and profile membership were examined using multinomial logistic regression with a three-step approach. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose levels were compared across profiles using one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Four profiles were identified: low muscle mass, balanced, high adiposity, and high muscle/low fat ratio. Handgrip strength, balance, and flexibility were significantly associated with profile membership, whereas age and aerobic endurance were not. The high adiposity profile had significantly higher systolic blood pressure than the low muscle and high muscle/low fat profiles, and higher diastolic blood pressure than the low muscle profile. The high muscle/low fat profile was associated with significantly lower fasting plasma glucose levels than the low muscle and high adiposity profiles.

CONCLUSION

Distinct body composition profiles in older adults with hypertension were associated with differences in physical fitness and cardiometabolic characteristics. These findings support the value of a person-centered approach that integrates body composition and physical fitness.