Abstract
PurposeThe accurate estimative of energy needs is crucial for an optimal physical performance among athletes and the basal metabolic rate (BMR) equations often are not well adjusted for adolescent athletes requiring the use of specific methods, such as the golden standard indirect calorimetry (IC). Therefore, we had the aim to analyse the agreement between the BMR of adolescents pentathletes measured by IC and estimated by commonly used predictive equations.MethodsTwenty-eight athletes (17 males and 11 females) were evaluated for BMR, using IC and the predictive equations Harris and Benedict (HB), Cunningham (CUN), Henry and Rees (HR) and FAO/WHO/UNU (FAO). Body composition was obtained using DXA and sexual maturity data were retrieved through validated questionnaires. The correlations among anthropometric variables an IC were analysed by T-student test and ICC, while the agreement between IC and the predictive equations was analysed according to Bland and Altman and by survival-agreement plotting.ResultsThe whole sample average BMR measured by IC was significantly different from the estimated by FAO (p<0.05). Adjusting data by gender FAO and HR equations were statistically different from IC (p <0.05) among males, while female differed only for the HR equation (p <0.05).ConclusionThe FAO equation underestimated athletes’ BMR when compared with IC (T Test). When compared to the golden standard IC, using Bland and Altman, ICC and Survival-Agreement, the equations underestimated the energy needs of adolescent pentathlon athletes up to 300kcal/day. Therefore, they should be used with caution when estimating individual energy requirements in such populations.
Highlights
Humans total energy expenditure (TEE) is defined by the sum of basal metabolic rate (BMR), thermal effect of food, and the energy expenditure due to physical activity[1]
The validity of equations for the prediction of BMR is a subject of great discussion, especially when it comes to peculiar populations, as it is the case of adolescent modern pentathlon athletes
The aim of this study was to evaluate the BMR of pentathletes by an indirect and scientifically certified method for this purpose, and to examine the agreement of the BMR estimated by most cited predictive equations Harris and Benedict (HB) (1919)[22], Cunningham (CUN)[23], Henry and Rees (HR)[24] and FAO/WHO/UNU (FAO)[8]/Schofield[25] with the BMR measured by indirect calorimetry (IC)
Summary
Humans total energy expenditure (TEE) is defined by the sum of basal metabolic rate (BMR), thermal effect of food, and the energy expenditure due to physical activity[1]. The BMR is the energy required to maintain the physiological processes for absolute rest and fasting status (12 hours) and comprises approximately 70% of TEE in sedentary individuals and 45 to 60% in athletes and physically active individuals. The use of predictive equations is the most viable method for the BMR estimation of individuals, group or population, as regards aspects such as costs. The TEE estimative through predictive equations requires multiplying BMR by the physical activity level (PAL) considered adequate for an individual. An adequate PAL estimation for physical activities that comprise of several sport modalities, such as modern pentathlon, is not always so predicted. The validity of equations for the prediction of BMR is a subject of great discussion, especially when it comes to peculiar populations, as it is the case of adolescent modern pentathlon athletes. Making an accurate prediction of BMR is crucial for nutritional counselling and promoting proper physical development
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