Abstract
Objective: This study examined the prevalence of low energy availability in a sample of female collegiate athletes (N=25) then delivered nutrition education related to the female athlete triad and assessed change in knowledge and dietary behaviors. Methods: Average energy intake was assessed pre- and post-education using Automated Self-Administered 24- Hour Dietary Recalls. We assessed body composition with multiple-site skinfold measures. Energy expenditure was assessed with accelerometers and a physical activity diary over a 3-day period. A 73-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and behavior changes. Results: At baseline, 92% had an index of energy availability <45 kcal/kg of fat free mass/day. 40% of participants were amenorrheic, and 32% had a history of stress fractures. There was an increase in summed nutrition knowledge, post-nutrition education (p=0.001), but no increase in caloric intake (p=0.979). Conclusion: Low energy availability was common in this sample of female collegiate track athletes, but did not improve with a targeted intervention.
Highlights
Active females, especially those who participate in sports that may place an emphasis on being thin, may restrict their dietary intake to maintain a low body weight [1]
energy availability (EA) is the amount of remaining dietary energy to support physiological functions in the body after energy has been expended through physical activity [6]
There was an increase in summed nutrition knowledge scores from the pre-intervention questionnaire to the post-intervention questionnaire (p=0.001)
Summary
Average energy intake was assessed pre- and post-education using Automated Self-Administered 24Hour Dietary Recalls. We assessed body composition with multiple-site skinfold measures. Energy expenditure was assessed with accelerometers and a physical activity diary over a 3-day period. A 73-item questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and behavior changes
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