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

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; R-2 <= 0.76, SEE >= 1.59; CCC <= 0.83; bias = -8.2% to -1.3%, limited agreement, and varying trends). The novel Bettery (R) equation: -0.620 + (0.159 * Sigma 4SKF [triceps, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh (mm)]) + (0.120 * waist girth (cm)), demonstrated a high accuracy (R-2 = 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 (R) equation is the first to allow for a valid and sport-specific assessment of FM% in male futsal players.