Competition Period Research Articles

Anthropometric profile and dietary intake of amateurs and professional mixed martial arts athletes

Nutritional habits and anthropometric profiles are directly linked to competitive performance; however, there is a great lack of information on amateur or professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes outside the competitive period. The aim of this study was to compare food consumption and anthropometric profile of amateur and professional MMA fighters. The sample was composed of 24 male MMA athletes, middleweight category (age: 27.5 ± 5.0 years; body mass: 79.0 ± 12.1 kg; height: 173.5 ± 0.1 cm; %BF: 19.5 ± 4.0 %, BMI: 26.0 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Food consumption was evaluated based on three 24-hour food diaries using the Multi-Step method in a non-competitive period and analyzed using the Dietbox v2.92 software. The professional group was younger (p = 0.001) than the amateur group. Total energy expenditure was similar between amateur (4364 ± 469 kcal) and professional (4312 ± 381 kcal). Amateur and professional reported an energy deficit between the estimated energy requirement and energy intake. Carbohydrate consumption was below the suggested minimum limits (amateur: 3.3 ± 1.6g/kg/day and professional: 3.3 ± 1.4g/kg/day). Protein intake was within the suggested limits (amateur: 1.4 ± 0.9g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.8g/kg/day) and lipids presented borderline values about to with concerning the recommendations in the literature (amateur: 0.9 ± 0.6 / g/kg/day and professional: 1.8 ± 0.9 g/kg/day). Amateur and professional athletes did not differ in terms of food consumption and anthropometric profile. Both groups, amateur and professional, demonstrated negative energy balance and inability to reach the suggested levels of macronutrient intake according to the classification. Thus, it is recommended that both MMA groups receive attention regarding nutritional strategies.

Performance variables and nutritional status analysis from Moroccan professional and adolescent football players during the competition period: a descriptive study

IntroductionNutrition plays an integral role in optimizing football players’ performance during training sessions and matches and maintaining their overall health throughout the season. This study aimed to evaluate how well the dietary practices of professional and adolescent football players in Morocco during the competitive period met international macronutrient recommendations, and to explore the relationship between their nutritional status and aerobic performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IRL1 test.MethodsA total of 277 footballers from Morocco's professional league, “Botola-Pro”, were monitored over a seven-day (training microcycle) during the competitive period. The dietary intake was assessed through self-reported methods and 24-hour recalls. Relevant body composition was measured with bioelectrical impedance (BI), and aerobic performance was evaluated using the Yo-Yo IR test.ResultsThe results indicated significant variations in performance and nutritional status across different categories and age groups. The nutritional status of the players didn't match the UEFA recommendations (p < 0.001). We found that higher intake levels of carbohydrates and proteins were positively correlated with the total distance covered by the players (p < 0.001, r = 0.63, R2 = 0.4 for carbohydrates; p < 0.001, r = 0.59, R2 = 0.35 for proteins). Conversely, a higher proportion of energy derived from fats in the diet was negatively correlated with the distance covered (p < 0.001, r = −0.64, R2 = 0.41).ConclusionThese findings suggest that optimizing carbohydrates and protein intake while managing fat consumption is crucial for enhancing sporting performance. This information is essential for tailoring training programs and nutritional regimens based on the competition level.

Effect of Different Weed Management Practices on growth and yield in Potato at Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fifth most important crops in the world in terms of production with an estimate of 375 million metric tons. In Nepal, potato ranks second in terms of production and sixth in terms of area coverage. Potato production is affected by weed infestation. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, water and other resources, which eventually reduce the crop yield. The critical period of crop-weed competition for potato is 25-40 days from planting depending on the climatic-zone and planting seasons. The most common method of weed control in Nepal is manual method, while herbicides are uses in less areas. Weeds are considered as the major problem in conventional and organic farming, due to lower yields by weeds and higher costs of labor for weed control. Mulching is one of the best and safest practice for effective weed management in potato due to which micro-climate manipulation is developed. Metribuzin is widely used herbicides in potato that controls a range of broadleaf weed species and suppresses many grassy weeds. To study the performance of different weed management practices in potato ten treatments were set up viz., three herbicides (pendimethalin@ 1.0 kg a.i ha-1, metribuzin@ 0.5 kg a.i ha-1 and atrazine @ 0.25 kg a.i ha-1) constituting seven treatments, one mulching with rice straw, one treatment with two manual hoeing, and another treatment with no any weed management practices as control.The treatments were laid out in RCB design with 4 replications. The potato variety Janak Dev was planted on 12th Feb 2021 and 23rd Jan 2022 with tuber rate of 4.1 t.ha-1 with row spacing of 60 cm and plant to plant 20 cm in a plot size of 4 x 3 meter in flat bed. Growth parameters such as plant height, plant fresh and dry biomass were recorded. Data on weed density, weed dry biomass, and tuber yield were taken.The economics of the different treatments were calculated. Among the treatments metribuzin@ 0.25 kg a.i ha-1 as pre-emergence proved effective in controlling weeds showing highest weed control efficiency (200.7 %) and tuber yield (32.79 t ha-1) . However, the treatment rice straw mulch @ 6 t ha-1 produced the highest tuber yield (38.31 t ha-1), 73.4 % increased yield over control, weed control efficiency(147.1%), economic benefit (NRS 13,40,850), benefit cost ratio (4.93).The treatment rice straw mulch @ 6 t ha-1 showed superiority among the different weeds management practices.

Evaluation of Critical Period of Crop Weed Competition for Enhanced Weed Management and Yield of Summer Pearl Millet

The field experiment was conducted at Instructional farm of Department of Agronomy, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari during summer season of 2021 to 2023 to study critical crop-weed competition in summer pearl millet. There were 10 treatments comprising of initial weed free periods of 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) and weedy 10, 20, 30 and 40 DAS along with weedy till harvest (un-weeded check) and weed free till harvest (weed free check), were replicated thrice in the randomized block design. Results revealed that maintaining a weed-free condition from 20 to 40 DAS significantly increased the yield of pearl millet, whereas the lower yield was recorded when weeds were allowed to grow during this period. The maximum competition between crop and weed was between 20 to 40 DAS, which can be considered as critical period of crop-weed competition. To avoid the yield loss, integrated weed management can effectively overcome the problems of weed shift and development of resistance in weeds and reduce the weed seed bank and manage the weeds below the economic threshold level to avoid any economic loss in summer pearl millet.

Analysis of tasks and training load during pre-season training in professional basketball

IntroductionIn the quest to improve basketball players' performance during the season, the analysis of the training processes during the pre-season is crucial to successfully face the competition period. The aim of this research was to characterize the training tasks of a professional basketball team of the ACB category during the 2022/23 pre-season, as well as to analyze the relationship between the game situation with the pedagogical variables and External Load variables. Materials and MethodsThe sample consisted of 107 tasks during 20 sessions of a Spanish first division professional basketball team. The dependent variables were the pedagogical variables and the external load. The independent variable was the Game Situation, understood as the organization of the players during the tasks. All variables were recorded using the Integral System for the Analysis of Training Tasks (SIATE) tool. A descriptive and inferential analysis was carried out to determine the relationships between the game situation with the pedagogical and external load variables. ResultsAll indicators of the pedagogical and external load variables show a statistically significant association with the game situation (p<.05). ConclusionsTherefore, the pedagogical and external load variables are conditioned by the game situation. Positioning itself as a variable of great relevance for the planning of the sessions, as its design facilitates the achievement of the proposed objectives and more effective training sessions.

Types, frequencies and burden of health problems in elite luge athletes: a 46-week prospective cohort study

BackgroundThere is a research gap in the survey of injuries and illnesses in the sport of luge.ObjectiveTo analyse the type, frequency and burden of injuries and illnesses that occurred over...

Optimization of Solar PV System Efficiency in Bangladesh

This paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of Sarishabari Engreen Solar Plant Ltd., a 3.3 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system located in Sarishabari, Jamalpur, Bangladesh. The study evaluates the plant's economic and operational performance, revealing a competitive payback period of 10.1 years and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.11 USD/kWh. These metrics highlight the plant's financial viability, largely due to the low cost of public land used for construction. However, profitability may be challenged if similar projects require significant investments in private land acquisition. Key areas for improvement identified include optimizing the tilt angle and integrating smart automation systems. Additionally, the potential for hybrid renewable energy systems combining solar and wind power is discussed. The paper also provides actionable recommendations for future renewable projects, emphasizing the importance of advanced technologies, and supportive policies. These insights aim to inform the optimization of existing solar PV systems and guide the development of future renewable energy projects in Bangladesh, contributing to the country's sustainable energy goals.

Analyzing the effects of competitive fatigue on body composition and functional capacities of youth elite handball players

Handball demands intense movements like rapid direction changes and physical contact. Consecutive competitions expose player fatigue and weaknesses due to the sport’s exhaustive nature. Therefore, the aims of this study are twofold: (i) to investigate the impact of competitive fatigue on the body composition of youth elite handball players, and (ii) to analyze the impact of concentrated competition on their functional capacity performance. Seventeen young male handball players (age: 16.2 years, height; 177.8 cm, body mass: 73.0 kg) were assessed twenty-four hours before (TM1) and after the competitive period (TM2) in body composition, static strength, lower- and upper-body explosive strength, speed, agility, balance, and flexibility indicators. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was conducted to assess differences in body composition and functional capacities assessment between TM1 and TM2. Regarding results, body mass significantly increased in TM2 (p &lt; 0.01), while increases in waist circumference and body fat percentage were not statistically significant. Functional capacity assessments revealed a significant decline in jumping performance (CMJ and SJ; p ≤ 0.01). Speed and agility assessments showed worse performance in TM2, significantly increasing 30 m sprint time (p ≤ 0.01). Balance indicators showed no significant differences, with mixed results in performance across different conditions. In sum, evaluating vertical jumps and long-distance maximum speed (i.e., 30 meters) could be valid tests for measuring and controlling fatigue in young elite handball players. Future research should regularly monitor young handballers after the competition to analyze the entire fatigue recovery process.

The Gut Microbiota characterization of a World-Class Mountain Trail runner during a complete competition season: a case report.

In the present case study, the gut microbiota (GM) profile of a male Elite Mountain Runner (34 years, 171cm, 59 kg, VO2max: 92 mL·min-1 ·kg-1) was analyzed over 5 months competitive period (6 samples). The GM diversity increased through the season coinciding higher levels to the peak performance and shorter and longer race (42 vs. 172 km) produced different phenotypic GM changes. Shorter race promoted the elevation of protective bacteria related to positive benefits (higher production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactate resynthesis, mucin degraders). In contrast, longer race promoted an elevation of opportunistic pathogenic bacteria while reducing protective commensal bacteria. The present findings indicate that a higher resilience of the GM after competitions may support rapid recovery from maximal exercise. The GM analyses pre- and post-competition could represent a rapid indicator for the (patho)physiological impact of exercise and provide information on gut health and recovery time needed.

An intermittent recovery test for soccer players: a validation study.

Soccer is an intermittent team sport that demands high aerobic capacity. On field, soccer players' aerobic capacity, assessed through the maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>max), is usually determined by an intermittent recovery test. The aim of this study was to obtain a construct validity of a new intermittent recovery test (IRT) with a fixed speed and a progressive decrement of rest period. Twenty-five male soccer players were recruited to perform an incremental continuous test (ICT) and the new IRT, to compare their physiological data. Fifteen male soccer players were involved to perform a test-retest of IRT to assess its reliability. VE<inf>peak</inf>, absolute VO<inf>2</inf>max, relative VO<inf>2</inf>max and VCO<inf>2</inf>peak registered during ICT and IRT correlated strongly (Pearson's correlation coefficient ranges from 0.75 to 0.80, with very large as magnitude of effects and with P<0.001). IRT showed reliability from good to excellent regarding VE<inf>peak</inf>, absolute VO<inf>2</inf>max, relative VO<inf>2</inf>max, VCO<inf>2</inf>peak and covered distance (ICC values ranged from 0.82 to 0.95). These findings and its underlying physiological and muscular demands, suggest that IRT can be considered as a valid and reliable test to assess aerobic capacity in soccer players during the competitive period.

Nutritional approaches applied to recovery of skeletal muscle injury immobilization: a review of nutrition aid for sport trauma.

Skeletal muscle (SM) injuries are a very common occurrence among athletes during training and/or competitive periods, resulting in time loss and absence from sports. Of several existing interventions to improve SM recovery, the nutritional approach has emerged as integral part to improve the physiological response and maintain the body composition to promote a rapid and safe return to play. Growing evidence supports that the physiological response to SM injuries results in a number of changes, suggesting the relevance of a personalized nutritional approach, according to the degree of immobilization, SM mass loss, strength and function. Therefore, we aimed to review the current evidence of the nutritional approach applied to SM injuries recovery in athletes, highlighting energy intake, use the main nutrients and elements for the SM recovery, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, evidence from injured athletes is scarce, and so specific guidelines cannot be established, calling from greater research into nutritional interventions in SM injury recovery in athletes.

High rates of respiratory illnesses upon arrival: lessons from Team USA at the Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and characteristics of injuries and illnesses among Team USA athletes competing at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games (PAG) and Parapan American Games (PPAG), with a...

Determination of critical crop-weed competition period: Impact on growth, nutrient dynamics and productivity of green gram (Vigna radiata)

The critical period of crop-weed competition (CPCWC) varies by cultivars, management strategies, cropping seasons, soil, and climate. Hence, a study was done to assess CPCWC in green gram under different cropping seasons and its impact on nutrient mining, agro-physiological characteristics, and productivity of green gram during the summer and rainy seasons. The experiment comprised of 12 treatments (weed interference until 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 days after sowing (DAS) and crop maturity, weed-free until 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 DAS and crop maturity). The treatments were placed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that, summer green gram outperformed rainy green gram by boosting nutrient uptake, growth and productivity. Weed interference up to crop harvest lowered the green gram dry matter accumulation by 34.11 %, seed index by 8.98 %, grain yield by 76.21 % and biological yield by 31.06 %. However, weed-free until crop harvest boosted nitrogen content by 50.4 %, phosphorus by 87.7 % and potassium by 42.9 %. Similarly, weed-free environment until harvest of the crop raised chlorophyll-a content by 2.9–6.6 fold and 2.7–7.0 fold, chlorophyll-b by 3.8–5.8 fold and 3.8–6.5 fold over season-long weedy plots during summer and rainy season, respectively. This study suggested that the critical duration for crop-weed competition under 5 % relative yield loss (RYL) was 11–43 DAS in summer and 4 to 36 DAS in rainy. Whereas, critical duration for the crop-weed competition at 10 % RYL was 21–36 DAS in summer and 8 to 27 DAS in rainy seasons.

Matrix periods and competition periods of Boolean Toeplitz matrices II

This paper is a follow-up to the paper of Cheon et al. (2023) [2]. Given subsets S and T of {1,…,n−1}, an n×n Toeplitz matrix A=Tn〈S;T〉 is defined to have 1 as the (i,j)-entry if and only if j−i∈S or i−j∈T. In the previous paper, we have shown that the matrix period and the competition period of Toeplitz matrices A=Tn〈S;T〉 satisfying the condition (⋆) max⁡S+min⁡T≤n and min⁡S+max⁡T≤n are d+/d and 1, respectively, where d+=gcd⁡(s+t|s∈S,t∈T) and d=gcd⁡(d,min⁡S). In this paper, we claim that even if (⋆) is relaxed to the existence of elements s∈S and t∈T satisfying s+t≤n and gcd⁡(s,t)=1, the same result holds. There are infinitely many Toeplitz matrices that do not satisfy (⋆) but the relaxed condition. For example, for any positive integers k,n with 2k+1≤n, it is easy to see that Tn〈k,n−k;k+1,n−k−1〉 does not satisfy (⋆) but satisfies the relaxed condition. Furthermore, we show that the limit of the matrix sequence {Am(AT)m}m=1∞ is Tn〈d+,2d+,…,⌊n/d+⌋d+〉.

The isometric and isokinetic knee extension and flexion muscle strength profile of elite soccer players

BackgroundThis study aimed to further complete normative data sets for the strength profile of the thigh in soccer players by performing isometric and isokinetic measurements in a large sample per player position.MethodsIn total, 364 soccer players were divided into subgroups according to their pitch position. All players performed isometric and isokinetic strength measurements during active competition period using an isokinetic dynamometer (System 3, Biodex®, ENRAF-NONIUS, New York, USA).ResultsIsokinetic strength of m. Quadriceps was significantly (p = 0.023) higher in strikers compared to central midfielders in both the dominant (+ 9%) and the non-dominant (+ 4%) leg. No further differences were found in isometric or isokinetic strength per playing positions.ConclusionsWe have shown that strength profiles do not differ between playing positions on the field. This is valuable information for elite soccer high performance coaches and medical staffs aiming to improve daily training efficiency and rehabilitation of their players.

The structure of functional training of athletes as a ensuring factor competitive activities in sports games

Assessment of the level of structural components of the functional fitness of athletes' bodies is one of the priority factors for improving the training system in handball, because it allows you to create the necessary conditions for the rational management of the athletes' physical condition and the course of adaptive changes, which ensure that the level of preparedness corresponds to the given sports result in the competitive period. The goal was to study the peculiarities of the formation of the structure of the functional readiness of the body of young men aged 16-17 years who specialize in handball, within the preparatory period of the macrocycle. The analysis of integral indicators characterizing the level of the physical condition of the body of handball players revealed positive dynamics of the level of general physical capacity, the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system, the general level of functional preparedness and adaptive capabilities of the cardiovascular system. All indicators corresponded to the "above average" functional class. Experimental data confirmed the effectiveness of planning specialized training programs that are purposefully related to the volume and functional orientation of the training session in the structural components of the preparatory period of the macrocycle. The use of a computer program made it possible to determine the general level of functional fitness and the state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of athletes, which is important for monitoring their physical readiness for the competitive game season.

Cytokines as markers of non-functional overstrain in rowing athletes

BACKGROUND: Regular high-intensity exercise, combined with other stressors and lack of adequate recovery time, can cause a sustained pro-inflammatory response, leading to systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. AIM: The aim of this study is to establish the prognostic effectiveness of proinflammatory IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and myokine IL-6 as markers of dysfunctional overstrain and overtraining in rowing athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 male athletes aged 18–22 years were examined, specializing in rowing, 1st category, candidates for master of sports. Of these, 28 were dynamic (4 times). The control group included 24 healthy donors, men aged 18–22 years. Cardiac overstrain was diagnosed based on 24-hour ECG data: identification of ventricular and supraventricular extrasystoles in the absence of organic changes in the heart. The content of cytokines in blood serum was determined using the Human Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel 1 reagents (Merck, Millipore) on a MagPix device. The research results were processed using parametric statistics methods. RESULTS: Rowing athletes show an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be both a consequence of adaptive changes and a sign of long-term systemic inflammation. Determination of IL-6, IL-8, TNFα may be useful for assessing the body’s adaptation to training loads. The greatest changes in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines are observed during the competitive period, and it should be taken into account that an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 occurs in response to high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is a sign of good adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest importance in the diagnosis of non-functional cardiac overstrain in rowing athletes should be given to an increase in IL-1α and IL-6 and an increase in TNFα against the background of a decrease in IL-4.

Nutrient dynamics study and yield optimization for soybean through integrated nutrient and weed management

Soybean production faces many constraints with several factors, such as biotic and abiotic factors, and the crop management practices where inadequate nutrient management leads to a decline in production potential of the crop. Among the biotic factors, exploitation of resources by weeds not only causes a decline in production but also decreases the crop quality. Managing the weeds during the critical period of crop weed competition plays outstanding role in maximizing soybean production. In order to study the influence of integrated nutrient and weed management on nutrient dynamics and yield optimization of soybean an experiment was conducted in Split Plot Design with three nutrient management treatments in main plot {100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF + 25% N through farmyard manure (FYM) + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and 50% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB} and five weed management treatments in the sub-plot (Hand weeding at 15, 30 and 45 DAS, Mechanical weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha−1 PE fb Hand weeding at 30 DAS, Propaquizafop @ 0.075 kg a.i. ha−1 PoE fb Hand weeding at 45 DAS, and Weedy check as control). The results indicated that application of 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM + PSB recorded the highest seed yield, nutrient content in seed and uptake of N, P, K, and S in the seed and stover, microbial population, and soil nutrient status. Highest partial factor productivity was recorded under 50% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB. Under weed management, hand weeding recorded the highest growth, yield attributes and nutrient content, but was found to be at par with Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha−1 PE fb Hand weeding at 30 DAS and Propaquizafop @ 0.075 kg a.i. ha−1 PoE fb Hand weeding at 45 DAS. Application of 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM + PSB and pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha−1 fb hand weeding at 30 DAS proves to be an effective strategy for soybean cultivation. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema, India.

Measurement of Training and Competition Loads in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Systematic Literature Review

In the long-term performance development of rhythmic gymnasts aged 16–17, athletes enter a high-performance training phase, marked by increased training loads and preparation for international competitions. This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of methods used to capture external and internal training/competition loads in elite rhythmic gymnasts, and (2) identify measurements of external and internal training/competition loads and their responses during monitored periods. Conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review included 6 studies out of the 815 initially identified. The most common methods for calculating external training load were hours or minutes per week. Internal measures varied and included objective methods such as heart rate monitoring and biochemical, hormonal, and hematological assessments from saliva and blood samples. Among subjective methods, session-RPE was most frequently used, along with other questionnaires examining recovery, well-being, sleep, and competition anxiety. The analyzed studies integrated diverse external and internal training load variables, delving into their impact on athlete’s biochemical parameters, recovery, and well-being. Pre-competitive and competitive training periods were the focal points of measuring loads. The complex training structure of rhythmic gymnastics can complicate the calculation of training loads. Therefore, more studies are needed to explore the dose-response relationships between training load and training adaptations, fatigue, and recovery.

The Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Cross-Country Skiers during the Annual Cycle.

A sustained mismatch between energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) can lead to Low Energy Availability (LEA), as well as health and performance impairments characteristic of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Research in females has identified specific LEA cut-points for the risks of developing physiological and performance disturbances. Cut-points in males have yet to be evaluated; therefore, this study examined the prevalence of LEA in highly trained male cross-country skiers. The key purpose of this study was to analyze EI, resting energy expenditure (REE), EEE, and energy availability (EA) in highly trained cross-country skiers during the preparation and competition periods. The secondary objective of our study was to evaluate the relative contribution of fats and carbohydrates to EI, REE, and EEE. EI was determined by an estimated 24 h diet recall method, REE was assessed by indirect calorimetry, and EEE was estimated from heart rate in 27 cross-country skiers. EI amounted to 4050 ± 797 kcal/day on a typical training day (TD) and 5986 ± 924 kcal/day (p < 0.001) on a typical competition day (CD). REE on TDs (2111 ± 294 kcal/day or 30 ± 6 kcal/day/kg) was higher (p < 0.05) than on CDs (1891 ± 504 kcal/day or 27 ± 7 kcal/day/kg). The EA in the athletes was <15 kcal∙kg FFM-1·d-1 on TDs and <65 kcal∙kg FFM-1·d-1 on CDs. EI was not optimal, as indicated by low EA throughout TDs (June). This could be associated with insufficient EI along with a high amount of EEE (3690.7 ± 485.2 kcal/day). During the transition from TD to CD, an increase in the contribution of fats to EI and EEE was observed in cross-country skiers. The conception of LEA and REDs and their potential implication for performance is underestimated among coaches and athletes. The importance of appropriate dietary strategies is essential to ensure that enough calories are consumed to support efficient training.