Come Back Skinfolds, All Is Forgiven: A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Common Body Composition Methods in Applied Sports Practice

Whilst the assessment of body composition is routine practice in sport, there remains considerable debate on best tools available, with chosen technique often based upon convenience rather than understanding method and its limitations. The aim this manuscript was threefold: (1) provide an overview common methodologies used within sport to measure composition, specifically hydro-densitometry, air displacement plethysmography, bioelectrical impedance analysis spectroscopy, ultra-sound, three-dimensional scanning, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) skinfold thickness; (2) compare efficacy what are widely believed be most accurate practical (skinfold thickness) (3) a framework help select appropriate applied sports including insights from authors’ experiences working elite sport. Traditionally, thickness has been popular but use DXA increased recent years, wide held belief that it criterion standard. When bone mineral content needs assessed, and/or when necessary take limb-specific estimations fat fat-free mass, then appears preferred method, although crucial aware logistical constraints required produce reliable data, controlling food intake, prior exercise hydration status. However, given need for simplicity after considering evidence across all methods, skinfolds appear least affected by day-to-day variability, leading conclusion ‘come back skinfolds, forgiven’.