Optimizing Field Body Fat Percentage Assessment in Professional Soccer Players

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