Abstract
It is unknown whether body size and body shape parameters can be predictors for estimating whole body fat-free mass (FFM) in male athletes. This study aimed to investigate whether body size and shape variables can be predictors for FFM in male athletes. Using a whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner, whole body fat mass (FM) and FFM were determined in 132 male athletes and 14 sedentary males. The sample was divided into two groups: validation (N = 98) and cross-validation (N = 48) groups. Body height (BH), body mass (BM), and waist circumference at immediately above the iliac crest (W) were measured. BM-to-W and W-to-BH ratios were calculated as indices of body shapes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that BM/W and W/BH were selected as explainable variables for predicting FFM. The equation developed in the validation group was FFM (kg) = 0.883 × BM/W (kg/m) + 43.674 × W/BH (cm/cm)– 41.480 [R2 = 0.900, SEE (%SEE) = 2.3 kg (3.8%)], which was validated in the cross-validation group. Thus, the current results demonstrate that an equation using BM/W and W/BH as independent variables is applicable for predicting FFM in male athletes.
Highlights
Major components of body composition are adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, visceral, and brain tissues
A major finding of the present study was that whole body fat-free mass in male athletes can be predicted using an equation with body mass-to-waist circumference and waist circumference-to-body height ratios as independent variables
The standard error of estimate (SEE) in this equation (
Summary
Major components of body composition are adipose, skeletal muscle, bone, visceral, and brain tissues. Whole body fat-free mass (FFM) is of interest in the field of sports science as a component of body composition and has been found to be associated with talent identification, athletic performance, and body mass management. Prospective college male soccer players have greater FFM relative to body height squared [1]. FFM is strongly related to one repetition maximum load during squat, deadlift, and bench press [2], indicating that it is a potential indicator of force-generating capacity. FFM is often utilized to estimate resting energy expenditure [3]. From the viewpoint of physical resources, assessment of FFM may provide useful information for sports scientists and coaches to improve body composition for designing training regimens and managing body mass
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