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Predictive equations for calculating athletes’ body fat mass using caliperometry: a narrative review
https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-19-55-58
Abstract
The assessment of body fat mass is an essential component in the training system of athletes, playing a key role not only in the formation of training programs and the development of individual dietary recommendations, but also being the subject of scientific interest in disciplines such as sports anthropology, anatomy and sports medicine. Among the variety of existing methods for determining body composition, caliperometry continues to occupy a special position due to its simplicity, mobility and accessibility, which makes it an indispensable tool in the practice of sports professionals. However, the effectiveness of this method largely depends on the correctness of the applied predictive equations, the development of which is traditionally based on specific samples of subjects, which creates significant limitations when working with different categories of athletes. In this regard, further scientific research aimed at developing specialized equations that take into account the morphofunctional characteristics of representatives of various sports is of particular importance.
The main purpose of this review is to find, analyze, and select existing predictive equations for estimating body fat mass that would be maximally adapted to the characteristics of athletes of various specializations.
About the Authors
A. V. Meshtel
Russian University of Sports “GTSOLIFK”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Meshtel Alexander V., teacher at Dept of Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, postgraduate student at Dept of Sports Medicine
Moscow
A. S. Frolova
Russian University of Sports “GTSOLIFK”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Frolova Anna S., 2nd year student of the Department of Recreation and Sports and Wellness Tourism
Moscow
M. A. Sidorenko
Russian University of Sports “GTSOLIFK”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sidorenko Maria A., 2nd year student of the Department of Theory and Methodology of Fencing, Modern Pentathlon and Shooting Sports
Moscow
A. B. Miroshnikov
Russian University of Sports “GTSOLIFK”
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Miroshnikov Alexander B., Doctor of Biology, Associate Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Adaptive Physical Education, Recreation and Tourism, Associate Professor of the Department of Sports Medicine
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Meshtel A.V., Frolova A.S., Sidorenko M.A., Miroshnikov A.B. Predictive equations for calculating athletes’ body fat mass using caliperometry: a narrative review. Medical alphabet. 2025;1(19):55-59. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2025-19-55-58
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