Assessment of energy availability and associated risk factors in professional female soccer players
Authors
Moss, SamanthaRandell, Rebecca
Burgess, Darren
Ridley, Stephanie
Ó Cairealláin, Cairbre
Allison, Richard
Rollo, Ian
Affiliation
University of Chester; Gatorade Sports Science Institute, Arsenal Football Club, Tipperary GAA, Melbourne Football ClubPublication Date
2020-08-06
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This study aimed to assess energy availability (EA), alongside possible risk factors of reduced or low EA of professional female soccer players during a competitive season. Thirteen players (age: 23.7 ± 3.4 y, stature: 1.69 ± 0.08 m, body mass: 63.7 ± 7.0 kg) engaged in a 5-day (two rest days, one light training, heavy training and match day) monitoring period. Energy intake (EI) and expenditure during exercise (EEE) were measured. EA was calculated and categorised as optimal, reduced or low (≥45, 31-44, ≤30 kcal·kg FFM-1·day-1, respectively). Relationships between EA and bone mineral density, resting metabolic rate (RMR), plasma micronutrient status, biochemical markers and survey data were assessed. EA was optimal for 15%, reduced for 62% and low for 23% of players. Higher EA was observed on rest days compared to others (P<0.05). EA was higher for the light compared to the heavy training day (P<0.001). EEE differed significantly between days (P<0.05). EI (2124 ± 444 kcal), carbohydrate (3.31 ± 0.64 g·kg·day-1) and protein (1.83 ± 0.41 g·kg·day-1) intake remained similar (P>0.05). Survey data revealed 23% scored ≥ 8 on the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire and met criteria for low RMR (ratio <0.90). Relationships between EA and risk factors were inconclusive. Most players displayed reduced EA and did not alter EI or carbohydrate intake to training or match demands. Although cases of low EA were identified, further work is needed to investigate possible long-term effects and risk factors of low and reduced EA separately to inform player recommendations.Citation
Moss, S. L., Randell, R. K., Burgess, D., Ridley, S., ÓCairealláin, C., Allison, R., & Rollo, I. (2020). Assessment of energy availability and associated risk factors in professional female soccer players. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(6), 861-870. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1788647Publisher
Taylor & FrancisAdditional Links
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17461391.2020.1788647Type
ArticleDescription
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in European Journal of Sport Science on 6-8-2020, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1788647ISSN
1746-1391EISSN
1536-7290ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/17461391.2020.1788647
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/