Novel equations to predict body fat percentage of Brazilian professional soccer players: A case study

This study analyzed classical and developed novel mathematical models to predict body fat percentage (�) in professional soccer players from the South Brazilian region using skinfold thicknesses measurement. Skinfolds of thirty one male professional soccer players (age of 21.48 ± 3.38 years, body mass of 79.05 ± 9.48 kg and height of 181.97 ± 8.11 cm) were introduced into eight mathematical models from the literature for the prediction of �; these results were then compared to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). The classical equations were able to account from 65% to 79% of the variation of � in DXA. Statistical differences between most of the classical equations (seven of the eight classic equations) and DXA were found, rendering their widespread use in this population useless. We developed three new equations for prediction of � with skinfolds from: axils, abdomen, thighs and calves. Theses equations accounted for 86.5% of the variation in � obtained with DXA.