Work

Pre‐Season Energy Deficiency Predicts Poorer Performance During a Competitive Season in Collegiate Female Long‐Distance Runners

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Female distance runners are at a high risk for chronic energy deficiency (ED). ED during predominantly high‐volume and/or high‐intensity training phases may compromise performance. The relationship between pre‐season energy status and running performance in female runners across a season is unclear. To test if energy status as defined by resting metabolic rate ratio (RMRratio) is associated with running performance, female collegiate distance runners (18–25 yr; n = 38) were assessed across 10–12 wks. Energy status, body composition, and 5 km time trial (measure of performance) were assessed pre‐ and post‐competitive season. Runners were categorized at baseline based on pre‐season measured‐to‐Cunningham1991‐predicted RMRratio: metabolically suppressed (SUP: RMRratio < 0.92, n = 12) and energy replete (NSUP: RMRratio ≥ 0.92, n = 26). Repeated measures ANOVA tested effects of pre‐season RMRratio groups, time, and group*time on performance. Linear regression analysis tested whether factors (body composition or total triiodothyronine, TT3) predicted performance across the season. Twenty‐one runners (19.6 ± 0.2 yr, 20.2 ± 0.4 kg/m2) completed pre‐ and post‐season performance runs. Groups had similar body mass, body mass index, percent body fat, and lean body mass. ANOVA revealed a significant group effect of RMRratio on running performance, but no effect of time or group*time. SUP had slower 5 km time trial performance compared to NSUP (22.4 vs. 20.4 min, p = 0.04). Controlling for post‐season VO2max, pre‐season TT3 predicted post‐season 5 km times (R2 = 0.614, p = 0.001). Pre‐season energy deficient female runners exhibited poorer running performance during a collegiate competitive season compared to pre‐season energy replete runners. Early detection of metabolic compensation in runners may be necessary for optimal performance across a competitive season.

Source: European Journal of Sport Science

DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12261

Authors: Emily Ann Lundstrom, Nancy I. Williams, Heather C. M. Allaway, Ana Carla Chierighini Salamunes, Mary Jane De Souza

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Louisiana State University

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,680