2020 Student Research Conference:
33rd Annual Student Research Conference

Validation of Anthropometric Equations to Predict Percent Fat in College Football Players


Monica L. Hunter*, Hunter Warmack, and Allison Oligschlaeger
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Prof. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors

Estimation of body composition in football is an essential component of training. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has become the accepted standard for assessing %fat, few prediction equations have been developed using this as the criterion. The study’s purpose was to evaluate the accuracy of skinfold prediction equations derived from DXA for use on college football. Division II players (n = 90) were assessed for DXA %fat and 9 skinfold measurements to predict %fat from 3 equations in the literature. Repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that the non-specific athlete equation significantly over predicted %fat by only 0.9 ± 2.8% while 2 football-specific equations significantly under predicted %fat by -2.3 ± 3.7% and -4.4 ±3.1%, respectively. Absolute difference between predicted and actual %fat for the nonspecific equation was 2.2 ± 2.8%, well within the accepted 3% measurement error. Care should be taken when selecting equations to predict %fat to ensure accurate estimations.

Keywords: Body Composition, Percent Fat, Football, Anthropometric Equations, Prediction, DXA, Athlete, Validation

Topic(s):Exercise Science

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA

* Indicates the Student Presenter
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