Examination Of Low Energy Availability And Sleep In High-intensity Functional Exercise Program Athletes

Abstract

Low energy availability (LEA) affects the body’s physiological systems, which can negatively affect an athlete’s performance and recovery. Athletes that participate in high-intensity functional exercise may not have adequate dietary intake to match energy needs or obtain optimal amount of sleep to recover fully. PURPOSE: To examine the low energy availability (LEA) and sleep among male and female recreational athletes who engage in high-intensity functional exercise programs. METHODS: Thirty adults (age: 31.2 ± 8.1; males: n = 12, 176.9 ± 6.2 cm, 89.5 ± 15.1 kg; females: 164.7 ± 7.1 cm, 69.9 ± 11.1 kg) participated in a larger cross-sectional study. Participants completed a demographic survey, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, a 7-day online dietary and exercise log. Participants were measured for height, weight, DXA scan (BMD), and RMR through indirect calorimetry (MedGem). ANOVAs examined differences between gender and energy needs, and Chi-squared analysis examined differences between gender and risk for LEA and Poor Sleep. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between gender and RMR (males: 2296.7±400.3 kg; females: 1761.7±341.6 kg; P=0.001), EI (males: 2027.5±694.5 kg; females: 1568.9±461.1 kg; P=0.038) and EEE (males: 357.8±60.3 kg; females: 279.3±44.4 kg; P≤0.01). No significant differences were found between gender and LEA (males: 24.8.7±12.2 kg; females: 25.0±8.9 kg). Overall risk for LEA was 66.7% (n = 20); however independently LEA was 50% (n=6) for males and 77.8% (n=14) for females. Overall, 63.3% (n=19) recreational athletes report poor sleep. No significant differences were found across gender and poor sleep, independently poor sleep for males was 50% (n=6) and females 72.2% (n=13). No significant differences were found between gender, poor sleep, and LEA. Of those at risk for LEA (n=20), 60% (n=12) also had reported poor sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Recreational athletes were at risk for both LEA and poor sleep, with a majority at risk for both. A combination of LEA and poor sleep can lead to poor performance and recovery from high-intensity exercises. Therefore, education to recreational athletes on the importance of dietary intake to match energy needs and encouragement for positive sleeping habits is imperative to optimize physiological recovery.