In healthy adolescents, habitual free-time physical activity is the main modifiable factor of phase angle, with male sex and higher free-time physical activity independently associated with higher phase angle values.
Key Findings
Results
The median phase angle in the study sample of healthy adolescents was 5.16°.
Study conducted in 56 adolescents with a median age of 16 years.
Phase angle was measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at 50 kHz.
Median PhA was 5.16° with an interquartile range of 4.88–5.46°.
Phase angle reflects cellular integrity and nutritional status as a non-invasive parameter.
Results
Male sex was independently associated with higher phase angle in multivariable models.
Regression coefficient for male sex: B = 0.96, p < 0.001.
This association was retained after adjustment for other variables in the multivariable model.
Sex was identified alongside free-time physical activity as a primary determinant of PhA.
Results
Higher free-time physical activity was independently associated with higher phase angle in a graded fashion.
Moderate free-time physical activity was associated with higher PhA compared to low activity: B = 0.42, p = 0.004.
High free-time physical activity was associated with higher PhA compared to low activity: B = 0.55, p = 0.001.
Both moderate and high activity levels retained significance after multivariable adjustment.
The association showed a graded effect with increasing activity level.
Results
Penalized logistic models confirmed that moderate and high free-time physical activity were associated with lower odds of having a low phase angle.
Moderate free-time activity was associated with lower odds of low PhA: OR 0.13, 95% CI: −3.66 to −0.56.
High free-time activity was associated with even lower odds of low PhA: OR 0.01, 95% CI: −9.15 to −1.87.
Both comparisons were made versus the low free-time physical activity reference group.
Results
Dietary indices and individual food items did not independently predict phase angle after multivariable adjustment.
Lifestyle and diet were assessed using a validated questionnaire.
Diet quality indices and selected food intake frequencies were included in the analysis.
Dietary variables did not retain statistical significance after adjustment in multivariable models.
Physical activity level was assessed separately for school time and free time.
Przytula A, Glibowski P, Popiolek-Kalisz J. (2026). The Impact of Physical Activity and Nutritional Patterns on Phase Angle in Healthy Adolescents.. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030516