Body composition and segmental phase angle in physically active men

Abstract Body composition (BC) is strongly related to the overall health and fitness levels of athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate BC and in particular phase angle for whole body and for the different body segments in males elite athletes compared with a normal-weight control group. 27 young men participated in the study: 9 ciclysts (age 28.8±3.5 years; weight 70.2±5.6kg; BMI 21.2±1.2 kg / m2), 9 dancers (age 19.2±1.3 years; weight 63.3±5.8 kg; BMI 20.8±1.0kg /m2) and 9 young normal-weight men (age 18.9±2.8years, weight 70.7±11.6 kg, BMI 22.9±3.3 kg / m2.) Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was performed at 50 kHz (DS Medica) early in the morning. Phase angle (a bioimpedance variable related to nutritional status) was used in order to evaluate differences in fat free mass (FFM) characteristics among the groups. As far as BC, cyclists showed the highest values of FFM whereas dancers and controls were similar. Fat mass (FM), both in absolute value and in percentage, is significantly lower in dancers and cyclists than controls. Total phase angle and leg phase angle were similar in Cyclist, dancers and controls. Regarding arm phase angle, there were no significantly differences between groups. This study shows that the sports activity, regardless of the type of sport, had a significant effect on BC variables respect non-athletic young men