COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS TO MEASURE BODY COMPOSITION IN COSTA RICAN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of professional soccer players per playing position have been studied extensively in order to determine their relevance in competitions. However, comparing methods to assess body composition is uncommon for Costa Rican soccer players. Purpose: compare body composition using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) and the skinfold method in Costa Rican professional soccer players. Methods: 106 Costa Rican professional soccer players, 24.53 +/- 4.77 years of age, participated in the study. Results: On average body fat was 13.34 +/- 4.1 %, fat free mass 62.1 +/- 5.5 kg and bone mineral content 3.6 +/- 0.4 g/cm(2) using DEXA, while body fat recorded using the skindfold method was 12.58 +/- 3.0 %. When comparing body fat using both methods significant differences were recorded (p= 0.005). In addition, there were differences on fat free mass by extremity in the upper right component (p= 0.001) and lower (p= 0.037) extremities. Fat free mass per playing position showed differences in the arms (p< 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation (r= 0.75, p < 0.001) between body fat obtained using DEXA and the skinfold methods. Conclusion: When comparing fat percentages using both methods significant differences were recorded. Body fat measured with both methods was very similar; consequently, both techniques may be used in this population.