Date of Award
2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Christie Ward-Ritacco
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low energy availability (LEA) is defined as an imbalance between dietary energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) resulting in insufficient energy to support optimal physiological function. Athletes may be at greater risk for LEA during periods of intensified training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate energy availability (EA) and its components (EI, EEE) and macro- and micronutrient intake (carbohydrates [CHO], protein [PRO], fat [FAT], calcium, Vitamin D, iron) on low and high-intensity training days. METHODS: A mixed sport cohort of Division I collegiate female athletes (n = 30; 18-23 years) completed real-time digital image assisted (pre- and post-image of food and/or drink items) dietary records and wrist worn accelerometry for two days based on subjective training intensity (e.g., high- vs. low-intensity). Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Dietary Analysis Tool for Athletes was used to calculate dietary data. EEE was calculated using metabolic equivalent of tasks and counts per minute data collected with accelerometry. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed fat-free mass (FFM). EA was calculated as the difference in EI and EEE, divided by FFM. A series of paired samples t-tests were conducted to examine differences in EA components (EI, EEE, EA) and macro- and micronutrient intake (CHO, PRO, FAT, calcium, Vitamin D, iron) between low- and high-intensity training days. The Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied to determine statistical significance, resulting in a corrected £ 0.006. RESULTS: Average EA was 40.13±13.698 kcal/kg FFM/day and 36.37±16.512 kcal/kg FFM/day on low- and high-intensity training days, respectively. There were no significant differences in EI, EEE, EA, macro- or micronutrient intake between intensity conditions (all p > 0.05). Regardless of training day intensity, at least 20% of participants met the criteria for LEA on low and high intensity training days. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, EI, EA, and macronutrient intake did not change based on prescribed training intensity in female collegiate athletes. Data suggests that female athletes exhibit LEA (e.g., EA < 45 kcal/kg FFM/day) regardless of prescribed training intensity. As such, efforts should be made to promote adequate nutrition, including meeting macro- and micronutrient recommendations, regardless of prescribed training day intensity.
Recommended Citation
StCyr, Hadley Ann, "INVESTIGATING DIFFERENCES IN ENERGY AVAILABILITY BASED ON PRESCRIBED TRAINING DAY INTENSITY IN FEMALE ATHLETES" (2026). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2702.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2702