Phase angle is a mathematical calculation of the ratio of resistance and reactance and is independent of height, weight and body fat • It reflects the direct relationship between Body Cell mass and Intracellular mass (metabolic mass) • Cells conduct and hold charge –phase angle can measure a Cell membranes ability to hold charge using the AC current As a cell breaks down or dies the cell membrane integrity deteriorates and its ability to retain fluids, nutrients and hold charge is reduced • This in turn reduces our metabolic mass or intracellular fluids and nutrients • By measuring the cell membranes ability to hold charge we can essentially measure cell health
A phase angle of six or more is usually preferred for men and five or more for women. • Fit adolescents may have a phase angle greater than 10. • An elite athlete may have a phase angle of 12 or more • A person’s phase angle measurement naturally decreases with age.