Optimizing Field Body Fat Percentage Assessment in Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

Body composition is a determinant of performance in soccer. To estimate the body fat percentage (%BF), dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is effective though this method is expensive and not readily accessible. This study examines the validity of widely used field methods based on anthropometric data and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Participants were 21 male Spanish First Division soccer players aged between 22 and 35 years. In each participant, body fat mass was determined by BIA and using 18 anthropometric equations including skinfold (SKF) measurements. DXA was used as reference. Correlation with DXA measurements was excellent for all equations and separate SKF measurements yet only moderate for BIA. However, only the equation recently developed for use in soccer players based on iliac crest and triceps SKFs showed no significant or standardized differences with DXA-derived %BF and these measurements also had the lowest bias. Our findings suggest that when DXA is not available, the best field method for %BF assessment in footballers is the equation based on iliac crest and triceps SKF. As another good option, we propose the sum of triceps, subscapular, supraspinal, and abdominal SKFs, as this combination also showed good correlation with DXA.

Differences in Body Composition Analysis by DEXA, Skinfold and BIA Methods in Young Football Players

“…Furthermore, regarding the sum of skinfolds, it presents a high correlation with DEXA [ 29 ] in both males and females, which is consistent with the findings of previous studies in male soccer players [ 26 , 32 ]. In women, to our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to show this positive correlation.…”

“…Indeed, our results suggest that BIA has the lowest correlation with the DEXA method, significantly underestimating the %BF. Compared to the skinfold methods, although the BIA method is faster, portable and validated, it does not seem to be the best option for this population group, which is consistent with the findings of other studies in soccer players [ 26 , 29 ].…”

“…Likewise, there is a trend in which the fat percentage values are higher in the measurement with DEXA than those with BIA or skinfolds. In this line, similar results and trends have been observed in other international-level elite soccer players, such as in the Italian Serie A league [ 26 ], Australian A-league [ 27 ], English Premier league [ 28 ] or even the Spanish league [ 29 ]. The differences found may be mainly due to the previous physical condition of the players, the sport’s history, age and ethnicity, the league to which they belong and their experience and previous training [ 23 , 30 ].…”

“…Additionally, differences between genders are produced by the different physiologies of each gender, with females typically presenting ~10% higher body fat percentage compared to men because of the additional fat accumulation preparing females for a possible pregnancy [ 31 ]. Furthermore, differences could be attributed to the different DEXA model used and its software [ 29 ].…”

Development and Validation of an Anthropometric Equation to Predict Fat Mass Percentage in Professional and Semi-Professional Male Futsal Players

“…The FM% was estimated from nine anthropometric equations ( Supplementary Table S1 ) selected from recent overviews of FM% prediction equations for male football players [ 16 , 17 ] or newer equations developed in team sport athletes [ 18 , 19 ]. Athlete-specific and generalised equations were considered when (1) adult males were included in the regression analysis, and (2) the equations only included ISAK restricted profile sites and had been developed using a Harpenden skinfold calliper [ 15 ].…”