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Abstract

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 5: Issue 1, Article 7, 2024. Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) has been widely used in clinical and sports settings, as it is positively associated with health and fitness. However, what PhA is measuring at the cellular level has not been addressed, which limits our interpretation of PhA. The purpose of this review is to provide a roadmap, starting with the mechanistic link between the dielectric properties of mammalian cells and their physiological function. In simplistic terms, PhA measures cellular permittivity and electrical conductivity. These characteristics determine cellular health and function. This theory is the crux of how PhA relates to physiological function. One of the foundational assumptions is that PhA is affected by cellular membrane integrity. Intact cell membranes are essential for proper cellular function, namely cell-to-cell communication and intracellular signaling. This also relates to the quality of neuromuscular communication, or the ability of the neural system to control motor output, which accounts for the increased PhA values after exercise training. This paper summarizes the most recent reports of PhA in relation to exercise training and status, disease, age, and sex. Also, we offer future avenues of research that will help to understand how to best utilize and interpret PhA. By matching the relevant background information about cellular changes that occur with health or disease to PhA values, researchers and clinicians will better understand the assumptions when using bioelectrical impedance-derived PhA. Overall, this review provides practitioners with insight into what changes in PhA could mean in terms of cellular health and function.

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