Low Energy Availability Prevalence, Sleep Quality, and Dietary Habits in Female ROTC Cadets
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Energy availability is defined as the difference between energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) divided by fat free mass (FFM). Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support all physiological functions and is defined as an energy availability (EA) of < 30 kcal/kg FFM. LEA may be intentional due to body recomposition or social pressure to maintain a certain body image but may also be unintentional due to increased training demands. LEA may lead to hormone dysfunction, sleep disturbance, altered metabolic responses, and other maladaptations on health and performance. Previous studies have reported high prevalence of LEA in both male and female athletes, with a higher prevalence in females. Prevalence of LEA has also been reported in male Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets; however, this has not been evaluated in female ROTC cadets in the United States. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to assess the prevalence of LEA in female ROTC cadets and to assess sleep quality. Additionally, we aim to compare their nutritional practices to the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRIs) and examine resting metabolic rate (RMR) suppression. METHODS: Seventeen female ROTC cadets will be recruited. Following an overnight fast, height, weight, body composition, and RMR will be measured. Participants will then complete the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) to assess LEA symptoms, as well as the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep. Participants will be fitted for both a hip and wrist worn physical activity monitor to assess energy expenditure and sleep parameters, respectively, for 7 continuous days. During this time, daily EI will be assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool. Following data collection, food and activity records will be reviewed for completion. T-tests will be used to assess sleep, nutrition, and body composition differences between participants with and without LEA. Pearson correlations will be used to compare EA with sleep and body composition. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA, sleep disturbance, and RMR suppression will be highly prevalent in female ROTC cadets. Additionally, it is hypothesized that the MDRIs will not be met by most individuals.
Keywords
Low Energy Availability, Sleep, Military, Tactical Athletes, Nutrition, Military Nutrition
Low Energy Availability Prevalence, Sleep Quality, and Dietary Habits in Female ROTC Cadets
CASB 103
BACKGROUND: Energy availability is defined as the difference between energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) divided by fat free mass (FFM). Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which energy intake is insufficient to support all physiological functions and is defined as an energy availability (EA) of < 30 kcal/kg FFM. LEA may be intentional due to body recomposition or social pressure to maintain a certain body image but may also be unintentional due to increased training demands. LEA may lead to hormone dysfunction, sleep disturbance, altered metabolic responses, and other maladaptations on health and performance. Previous studies have reported high prevalence of LEA in both male and female athletes, with a higher prevalence in females. Prevalence of LEA has also been reported in male Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets; however, this has not been evaluated in female ROTC cadets in the United States. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to assess the prevalence of LEA in female ROTC cadets and to assess sleep quality. Additionally, we aim to compare their nutritional practices to the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRIs) and examine resting metabolic rate (RMR) suppression. METHODS: Seventeen female ROTC cadets will be recruited. Following an overnight fast, height, weight, body composition, and RMR will be measured. Participants will then complete the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) to assess LEA symptoms, as well as the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep. Participants will be fitted for both a hip and wrist worn physical activity monitor to assess energy expenditure and sleep parameters, respectively, for 7 continuous days. During this time, daily EI will be assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool. Following data collection, food and activity records will be reviewed for completion. T-tests will be used to assess sleep, nutrition, and body composition differences between participants with and without LEA. Pearson correlations will be used to compare EA with sleep and body composition. EXPECTED RESULTS: It is hypothesized that LEA, sleep disturbance, and RMR suppression will be highly prevalent in female ROTC cadets. Additionally, it is hypothesized that the MDRIs will not be met by most individuals.