Abstract
Resting energy expenditure (REE) is determined mainly by fat-free mass (FFM). FFM depends also on daily physical activity. REE normally decreases with increased age due to decreases in FFM and physical activity. Measuring REE is essential for estimating total energy expenditure. As such, there are a number of different equations in use to predict REE. In recent years, an increasing number of older adults continue to participate in competitive sports creating the surge of master athletes. It is currently unclear if these equations developed primarily for the general population are also valid for highly active, older master athletes. Therefore, we tested the validity of six commonly-used equations for predicting REE in master athletes. In conjunction with the World Masters Athletic Championship in Malaga, Spain, we measured REE in 113 master athletes by indirect calorimetry. The most commonly used equations to predict REE [Harris & Benedict (H&B), World Health Organization (WHO), Müller (MÜL), Müller-FFM (MÜL-FFM), Cunningham (CUN), and De Lorenzo (LOR)] were tested for their accuracies. The influences of age, sex, height, body weight, FFM, training hours per week, phase angle, ambient temperature, and athletic specialization on REE were determined. All estimated REEs for the general population differed significantly from the measured ones (H&B, WHO, MÜL, MÜL-FFM, CUN, all p < 0.005). The equation put forward by De Lorenzo provided the most accurate prediction of REE for master athletes, closely followed by FFM-based Cunningham’s equation. The accuracy of the remaining commonly-used prediction equations to estimate REE in master athletes are less accurate. Body weight (p < 0.001), FFM (p < 0.001), FM (p = 0.007), sex (p = 0.045) and interestingly temperature (p = 0.004) are the significant predictors of REE. We conclude that REE in master athletes is primarily determined by body composition and ambient temperature. Our study provides a first estimate of energy requirements for master athletes in order to cover adequately athletes’ energy and nutrient requirements to maintain their health status and physical performance.
Highlights
Master athletes are individuals older than 35 years who continue physical training and take part in athletic competitions, often throughout their entire life, which can be regarded as a model of active aging (Tanaka et al, 2019)
The Harris & Benedict equation showed in both sexes less than 50% accuracy
The main aims of this study were to assess the accuracy of existing predictive equations for Resting energy expenditure (REE) applied to master athletes and to ascertain the primary determinants of REE in this group of athletes
Summary
Master athletes are individuals older than 35 years who continue physical training and take part in athletic competitions, often throughout their entire life, which can be regarded as a model of active aging (Tanaka et al, 2019). The number of master athletes has increased steadily (Figure 1). Because of their strenuous training routine and specific demands that age-related physiological changes place, master athletes have distinct nutritional requirements (Desbrow et al, 2019). A sufficient energy intake is mandatory to maintain overall health and competitive performance of these aging athletes (Schofield et al, 2019). FFM accounts for 60–70% of the total REE, and fat mass (FM) for only 5–7% of REE (Johnstone et al, 2005). Master athletes can theoretically counteract such age-related decreases in FFM and thereby in REE, provided that energy intake levels are sufficient.
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