COMPARISON OF ENERGY INTAKE AND EXPENDITURE OF COMPETITIVE ATHLETES, HIGHLY ACTIVE FEMALES AND LOW-TO MODERATE ACTIVITY FEMALES

Abstract

Females participating in certain athletic endeavors which result in high energy expenditures(EE) may be less prone to consume adequate calories(cal). The resultant effect is a combination of conditions that make up the syndrome termed the female athlete triad. Women with high EE not related to athletics may demonstrate similar characteristics, making them more prone to this combination of conditions. PURPOSE To compare energy balance and menstrual and injury history of female track and field athletes(TF), highly active females(HA), and low-to-moderate activity females(C). METHODS 45 females volunteered to participate. Subjects fell into one of three categories: athletes(TF), non-athletes with avg EE through exercise of ≥275kcals/d(HA), or controls(C). After BMI and %fat assessment subjects completed a questionnaire concerning menstrual history and injury history. Subjects kept a 3d dietary record during weekdays excluding competition days. Data were analyzed by MANOVA with follow-up univariate ANOVA and Scheffé post hoc tests. Nonparametric data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS Comparison of variables for body mass, ht, BMI, %fat, avg daily energy intake, avg daily EE, RMR, thermic effect of feeding(TEF), cal requirement, and cal deficit found a significant effect (χ(24,58) > =3.592, P < .01). Follow-up univariate ANOVA and post hoc tests found significant differences between C and the TF and HA groups for body mass, BMI, %fat, avg daily EE, and cal requirement. TF had a significantly higher RMR and TEF than C. No significant differences were found between TF and HA for any variable. No differences between any groups were found for age at menarche, menstrual periods in 1yr, menstrual regularity, or stress fracture incidence. CONCLUSIONS Given that the TF and HA groups are similar for each of the variables analyzed, there is reason to believe that all females with a high EE, regardless of sport participation, face the similar levels of risk for the female athlete triad.