Journal article
Skinfold Prediction Equations Fail to Provide an Accurate Estimate of Body Composition in Elite Rugby Union Athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian Ethnicity
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.28(1), pp.90-99
2018
PMID: 29035601
Abstract
Body composition in elite rugby union athletes is routinely assessed using surface anthropometry, which can be utilised to provide estimates of absolute body composition using regression equations. This study aims to assess the ability of available skinfold equations to estimate body composition in elite rugby union athletes, who have unique physique traits and divergent ethnicity. The development of sport-specific and ethnicity-sensitive equations was also pursued. Forty-three male international Australian rugby union athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian descent underwent surface anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) assessment. Body fat percent (BF%) was estimated using five previously developed equations, and compared to DEXA measures. Novel sport and ethnicity-sensitive prediction equations were developed using forward selection multiple regression analysis. Existing skinfold equations provided unsatisfactory estimates of BF% in elite rugby union athletes, with all equations demonstrating a 95% prediction interval in excess of 5%. The equations tended to underestimate BF% at low levels of adiposity, whilst overestimating BF% at higher levels of adiposity, regardless of ethnicity. The novel equations created explained a similar amount of variance to those previously developed (Caucasians 75%, Polynesians 90%). The use of skinfold equations, including the created equations, cannot be supported to estimate absolute body composition. Until a population-specific equation is established that can be validated to precisely estimate body composition, it is advocated to use a proven method such as DEXA when absolute measures of lean and fat mass are desired, and raw anthropometry data routinely to derive an estimate of body composition change.
Details
- Title
- Skinfold Prediction Equations Fail to Provide an Accurate Estimate of Body Composition in Elite Rugby Union Athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian Ethnicity
- Authors
- Adam J Zemski (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringElizabeth Broad (Author) - US Paralympics, United StatesGary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, Vol.28(1), pp.90-99
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics
- Date published
- 2018
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0251
- ISSN
- 1526-484X
- PMID
- 29035601
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450594502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Sport Sciences
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Source: InCites