Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of Predictive Anthropometric Equations for Estimating Fat Mass, Lean Mass and the Role of Maturity Offset in Lean Mass Prediction Within Professional, Academy Soccer Players from the United Kingdom

Abstract

The reliability and validity of anthropometric equations remain uncertain in young athletes experiencing biological maturation. This study assessed the reliability and validity of anthropometric equations against dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) values and examined the influence of maturity offset within academy soccer players. Twenty-five male academy soccer players (age: 18.6 ± 0.8 years, height: 182.7 cm ± 5.9 cm, BM: 79.3 kg ± 7.6 kg) completed skinfold and DXA assessments. FM and LM were estimated using commonly adopted anthropometric equations. Reliability and validity were assessed. Linear regression examined the influence of maturity offset. Acceptable agreement for the equations of Wilmore & Behnke and Oliver et al. for LM and FM was observed (FM; ICC: 0.858–0.891, CV%: 8.1–8.8 ± 4.6–6.4, LoA: 2.62–3.06 to −1.33–−1.62, ES: 0.27–0.47, Z = −2.257–−3.150; LM: ICC: 0.886–0.905, CV%: 2.9–3.3 ± 1.3, LoA: 5.17–5.62 to 0.54–0.78, ES: 0.42–0.48, both p < 0.001). Bland–Altman inspection showed mean bias and wide LoA for all equations. Maturity offset modestly predicted LM for all equations. Observed anthropometric equations have limited validity vs. DXA-derived FM and LM in academy soccer players. Maturity offset warrants consideration for maturity-sensitive, population-specific equations to avoid systematic errors.