Using physical activity levels to estimate energy requirements of female athletes.

Jonghoon Park

doi:10.20463/jenb.2019.0024

Abstract

[Purpose]The goal of this study was to review data on physical activity level (PAL), a crucial index for determining estimated energy requirement (EER), calculated as total energy expenditure (TEE, assessed with doubly labeled water [DLW]) divided by resting metabolic rate (RMR, PAL = TEE/RMR) in female athletes and to understand the methods of assessing athletes’ EERs in the field.[Methods]For the PAL data review among female athletes, we conducted a PubMed search of the available literature related to the DLW method. DLW studies measuring TEE and RMR were included for the present review.[Results]Briefly, the mean PAL was 1.71 for collegiate swimmers with moderate training, which was relatively low, but the mean PAL was 3.0 for elite swimmers during summer training camp. This shows that PAL can largely vary even within the same sport depending on the amount of training, and the differences in PAL were remarkable depending on the sport. Aside from the DLW method, there is currently no research tool related to athletes’ EERs that can be used in the field.[Conclusion]Briefly, the mean PAL was 1.71 for collegiate swimmers with moderate training, which was relatively low, but the mean PAL was 3.0 for elite swimmers during summer training camp. This shows that PAL can largely vary even within the same sport depending on the amount of training, and the differences in PAL were remarkable depending on the sport. Aside from the DLW method, there is currently no research tool related to athletes’ EERs that can be used in the field.

Highlights

In female endurance runners or gymnasts, chronic energy deficiency, when energy intake cannot meet the energy expenditure from high-intensity training, leads to amenorrhea and osteoporosis, creating the female athlete triad (FAT)[1,2]
A crucial index, energy requirement (EER) is measured by the physical activity level (PAL) and the total energy expenditure (TEE) divided by the resting metabolic rate (RMR)
There are no reviews on PAL data obtained by the doubly labeled water method (DLW) method in female athletes or methods of calculating EER in athletes

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In female endurance runners or gymnasts, chronic energy deficiency, when energy intake cannot meet the energy expenditure from high-intensity training, leads to amenorrhea and osteoporosis, creating the female athlete triad (FAT)[1,2]. These interrelated problems lead to decline in performance due to stress and chronic fatigue, and sports injuries such as fatigue fractures[3,4,5]. The doubly labeled water method (DLW) is the gold standard for measuring total energy expenditure (TEE) and calculating the estimated energy requirement (EER) in athletes[6]. Our study aims to review PAL data from DLW studies focusing on female athletes and to understand the methods of assessing athletes’ EERs in the field

DLW method

PALs in female athletes

PAL data for female athletes

EER prediction methods for athletes

CONCLUSION