The phase angle as a marker of health and body composition in soccer players in Bogotá – Colombia

Abstract

Abstract Background Body composition is a parameter that is evaluated to predict the nutritional status of the population. This is assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis, which reports BMI, fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, phase angle (AP), among others. The latter, in recent years has become important because it is a direct electrical measurement in the body, used for the clinical prognosis of diseases such as cancer, anorexy nervous, sarcopenia and chronic liver disease. AP is an index of vitality and integrality of the cell membrane and an indicator of muscle strength and endurance; likewise, it is inversely related to BMI, age and gender, normal values in healthy populations range between 5.5° to 9°, it is believed that physical activity and sport can also modify AP values. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between body composition and AP in soccer players in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods Quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational approach. The sample was 84 soccer players (age: 18.67 + 2.9 years; height: 1.73 + 0.07 m; weight: 66.58 + 9.94 Kg), who were assessed using the Bioimpedance method through InBody 770®. Results The averages obtained were: AP 6.46°+0.58; muscle mass 32.25 + 5.06 Kg, percentage of fat mass 15.90 + 3.97. There was a direct relationship between AP, skeletal muscle mass and lean mass in the right, left arm, trunk and right leg (p < 0.01), while with the percentage of body fat mass of the right and left arm the relationship was inverse. Conclusions Body composition with high values of musculoskeletal mass and AP favor the functionality and development of strength, which in turn are protective factors for the presence of diseases such as sarcopenia. Key messages The Phase Angle is constituted as an easily accessible marker of nutritional health and morphofunctional profile in athletes. The Phase Angle and body composition as determinants of the profile in athletes.