This study examined energy
expenditure, dietary behavior, and energy balance of female tennis and soccer
student-athletes during a competitive season. A sample of 18 (Mage=19.86±1.35 years)
Division I female collegiate student-athletes (5 tennis and 13 soccer players)
were followed for four days, i. e., during one game/match, two practice
sessions, and one recovery day. Physical activity was assessed with
accelerometers and dietary behavior with daily food logs. Daily energy
expenditure for the game/match, practice, and rest days was 2,848±304kcal,
2,622±248kcal, and 1,833±959kcal, respectively, with a statistically
significant main effect (F[2,16]=82.291,
p<.001, η2=.91). Daily
dietary intake ranged from 1,833±959 to 1849±371kcal, with no significant
interaction between different days. There were no sport specific differences in
energy expenditure or dietary behaviors. Athletes consumed 4.30±2.07 g/kg
carbohydrates, 1.57±.98 g/kg protein, and 1.27±.80 g/kg fats daily. There was a
significant main effect in dietary intake (F[2,16]=7.311,
p=.006, η2=.48), with a difference
between game/match and recovery days (t[17]=3.83,
p=.001, d=1.19). This study showed a negative energy balance among female
student-athletes. The findings indicate that the lack of carbohydrate intake
during game/match days contributed to this energy deficit.
Biomarker Response to a Competitive Season in Division I Female Soccer Players