Journal Article

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

Teixeira, Filipe J., Santos, Diana A., Cavaca, Margarida L., Duque, Pedro, Matos, Nuno, Vicente, Filipa, Pereira, Paula, Santos, Heitor O., Oliveira, Marco, Matias, Catarina N., Giro, Rita, Campa, Francesco, Tinsley, Grant M.

2022

Overview

This study aimed to (i) characterise the body composition of professional and semi-professional male futsal players, (ii) assess the validity of commonly used equations to estimate FM%, (iii) develop and cross-validate a futsal-specific FM% prediction equation. In a cross-sectional design, 78 adult male futsal players were assessed for body mass, stature, skinfolds, and girths as per the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol and completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for reference body composition data. Using paired-sample t-tests, the FM% from the DXA and nine published equations were compared. New sport-specific models were developed by stepwise multiple regression. Existing equations were cross-validated using the least squares regression, concordance correlation coefficient, and the Bland–Altman analyses. New equations were further cross-validated using the PRESS approach. None of the existing equations accurately predicted the DXA-derived FM% (p < 0.001; R2 ≤ 0.76, SEE ≥ 1.59; CCC ≤ 0.83; bias = −8.2% to −1.3%, limited agreement, and varying trends). The novel Bettery® equation: −0.620 + (0.159 ∗ Σ4SKF [triceps, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh (mm)]) + (0.120 ∗ waist girth (cm)), demonstrated a high accuracy (R2 = 0.85, SEE = 1.32%), a moderate strength of agreement (CCC = 0.92), no bias (0.2%), good agreement (±2.5%), and no trend (r = −0.157; p = 0.170) against the DXA. The Bettery® equation is the first to allow for a valid and sport-specific assessment of FM% in male futsal players.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Absorptiometry, Photon / Accuracy / Adult / Anthropometry / Anthropometry - methods / Arm - anatomy & histology / Athletes / Body Composition / Body measurements / Cross-Sectional Studies / Electric Impedance / Evaluation / Exercise / Health aspects / Humans / Indoor soccer / Male / Methods / Physical fitness / Physiological aspects / Soccer players / Variables