Prediction of fat-free mass from body surface area in young basketball players

Background: Fat Free Mass (FFM) is an important and essential indicator in various sports populations, since greater muscle and bone mass generates greater strength, endurance and speed in athletes. Objective: The purpose of the study was to validate Body Surface Area (BSA) as an anthropometric indicator to estimate FFM in young basketball players. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 105 male basketball players of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation of Sao Paulo (Campinas), Brazil. The age range was 11 to 15 years. Weight and height were evaluated. BSA, body mass index (BMI) and maturity status (MS) were calculated. Total body scanning was performed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The components were extracted: Fat mass (FM), Fat free mass (FFM), percentage of fat mass (%FM) and bone mass (BM). The data were analyzed using the correlation coefficient of concordance (CCC) in terms of precision and accuracy. Results: Three regression equations were generated: equation 1 had age and body weight as predictors [FFM= -30.059+(2.926*age)+(0.625*Weight)] (R² = 92%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99), equation 2 used age and BSA [FFM=-45.719+(1.934*age)+(39.388*BSA)] (R² = 94%, precision = 0.97 and accuracy = 0.99) and equation 3 was based on APHV and BSA [FFM=-15.284+(1.765*APHV)+(37.610*(BSA)] (R² = 94%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99). Conclusions: The results suggest the use of anthropometric equation using decimal age and BSA to estimate FFM in young basketball players. This new method developed can be used to design, evaluate and control training programs and monitor the weight status of athletes.