SEARCHSYSTEMATIC_REVIEWnutrition, clinical nutrition

systematic_review·nutrition, clinical nutrition, research methods, systematic review, meta-analysis·PMC10005265

Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients · 4 authors, 6 centres

AI SUMMARY

FIDELITY 100%

POPULATIONMale professional soccer players

INTERVENTIONBody composition assessment using different methods (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, densitometry)

COMPARISONValues reported according to different measurement methods or equations

This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.

AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

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TL;DR

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized data from 74 studies to describe the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of 5,197 male professional soccer players and compared results across measurement methods (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, densitometry). The main finding was that the reported percentage of fat mass and fat-free mass in kilograms varied significantly depending on the assessment method or equation used, while other metrics like muscle mass percentage did not differ significantly. A key limitation is the high heterogeneity among included studies in methods, equations, and timing of measurements, which limits direct comparability of the values.

Full summary

1,528 CHARS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to describe the anthropometric, body composition, and somatotype characteristics of professional male soccer players and compare reported values based on the assessment methods and equations used. The authors searched four major databases and included 74 articles in the systematic review and 73 in the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 5,197 players. The key results showed significant differences between assessment methods (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, densitometry) for height (p = 0.001), fat mass in kilograms (p < 0.0001), fat mass percentage (p < 0.0001), and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.0004). Specifically, DXA reported the highest fat mass percentage (mean 11.85%), while anthropometry reported the highest fat-free mass in kilograms (mean 66.10 kg). Furthermore, significant differences were found in reported fat mass percentage values depending on the specific anthropometric equation used (p < 0.001). The mean somatotype across studies was calculated as balanced mesomorphic (endomorphy 2.32, ectomorphy 2.32, mesomorphy 5.15). Limitations of the review include substantial heterogeneity among included studies due to variations in measurement protocols, equations, equipment, timing within the competitive season, and the diverse competitive levels of the professional leagues studied. The authors conclude that while the review provides useful guidance values, care must be taken when comparing body composition data obtained with different methods.

PICO

PPOPULATION

Male professional soccer players

IINTERVENTION

Body composition assessment using different methods (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, densitometry)

OOUTCOME

Anthropometric characteristics (e.g., height, weight, skinfold sums), body composition metrics (fat mass, fat-free mass, muscle mass), and somatotype components (endomorphy, ectomorphy, mesomorphy)

STUDY TYPE

systematic_review

SPECIALTY

nutrition

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

FIDELITY CHECK

100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10005265

Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients

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ABSTRACT

The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms ( p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups ( p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC.

CITATION EXPORT

Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Jose M. Soriano, Noelia González-Gálvez et al.. Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051160

AUTHORS

4 · 6 CENTRES

Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Jose M. Soriano, Noelia González-Gálvez, José Miguel Martínez-Sanz

1Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
2Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
3Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
4Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
5Sports Injury Prevention Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Murcia, Spain
6Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain

EDITOR / REVIEWER

John A. Rathmacher