Phase angle and body composition: markers of physical performance in mountain bike athletes

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Phase angle (PhA) and body composition parameters with physical performance in national-level Mountain Bike (MTB) athletes. Materials and methods: Eighty-three male MTB athletes (age: 39.6 ±11.5 years) participated in the study. Body composition was assessed using a multi-tactile bioimpedance analyzer (InBody S10), while performance was evaluated through handgrip strength, standing long jump, and race completion time during a 75 km competition. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between PhA, body composition, and performance variables. Results: Higher PhA values were associated with better handgrip strength (r >518; p<0.001), standing long jump performance (r=0.504; p=0.001). Notably, athletes with higher PhA completed the race in less time (r=-0.488; p<0.001). Secondarily, body fat, skeletal muscle mass, total body water and extracellular water rate were significantly associated with handgrip strength, standing long jump performance and race time (p<0.001). Conclusion: PhA, as well as body composition parameters including body fat, skeletal muscle mass, total body water, are promising markers of muscle strength and performance in MTB athletes. Therefore, these variables could be integrated into training programs to contribute to monitoring muscle integrity and optimizing athletic performance.