Maximal Running Speed and Critical Speed Are Positively Related to Phase Angle in Healthy Young Adults

Phase Angle (PhA), derived from bioelectrical impedance analysis, is a measurement of cellular resistance to electrical current and a non-invasive tool to monitor neuromuscular performance. The relationship between PhA and components of athletic performance is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal running speed, critical speed (CS), and/or D prime (D') derived from a 3-minute all-out-test (3MAOT) correlates to PhA, reactance (Xc), or resistance (R). Sixty-one (male n=35, female n=26) healthy young adults (23.4±3.9 years) completed bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody770) and a 3MAOT. The correlations between PhA, Xc, and R and 3MAOT results were evaluated using correlations. Simple and multiple linear-regressions were used to test if results from the 3MAOT (maximum running speed, CS, D') could predict PhA. Linear regression analysis indicated that maximum running speed and CS alone explained 32% and 9% of the variance in PhA, respectively (R²=0.32, p<0.05; R²=0.09, p<0.05). Multiple linear regression indicated that maximum running speed, CS, and D' explained 35% of the variance in PhA (R²=0.35; p<0.05). Only maximum running speed remained a significant predictor of PhA after controlling for age (β=0.45; p<0.05), but not after controlling for both age and sex (β=0.14; p>0.05). Since maximum running speed was a stronger predictor of PhA compared to CS (proxy for endurance performance), practitioners should use discernment when using PhA as a readiness tool to monitor endurance performance.