title: Physical activity levels to estimate the energy requirement of adolescent athletes.
abstract: Adequate energy intake in adolescent athletes is considered important. Total energy expenditure (TEE) can be calculated from resting energy expenditure (REE) and physical activity level (PAL). However, validated PAL recommendations are available for adult athletes only. Purpose was to comprise physical activity data in adolescent athletes and to establish PAL recommendations for this population. In 64 competitive athletes (15.3 ± 1.5 yr, 20.5 ± 2.0 kg/m2) and 14 controls (15.1 ± 1.1 yr, 21 ± 2.1 kg/m2) TEE was calculated using 7-day activity protocols validated against doubly-labeled water. REE was estimated by Schofield-HW equation, and PAL was calculated as TEE:REE. Observed PAL in adolescent athletes (1.90 ± 0.35) did not differ compared with controls (1.84 ± 0.32, p = .582) and was lower than recommended for adult athletes by the WHO. In conclusion, applicability of PAL values recommended for adult athletes to estimate energy requirements in adolescent athletes must be questioned. Instead, a PAL range of 1.75-2.05 is suggested.
authors.affiliation: University Outpatient Clinic Potsdam, Sports Medicine and Sports Orthopaedics, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
authors.forename: Anja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carlsohn
authors.forename: Friederike
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scharhag-Rosenberger
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cassel
authors.forename: Josefine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Guzman Guzman
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D050154:Adiposity; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003163:Competitive Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009752:Nutritional Status; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires