title: Effect of nutritional intervention on body composition and performance in elite athletes.
abstract: Strength training and positive energy intake are the most important factors related to lean body mass (LBM) gain. Most studies investigating weight-gain interventions are based recreationally active subjects and less is known about optimal weight-gain protocols in elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional guidance in an 8- to 12-week weight-gain period in elite athletes. Thirty-nine elite athletes were randomised to either a 'nutritional counseling group' (NCG, n=21, 19.1±2.9 years, 70.9±8.9 kg) or 'ad libitum group' (ALG, n=18, 19.6±2.7 years, 75.0±5.9 kg). All athletes continued their sport-specific training which included an additional four strength-training sessions per week. NCG followed a meal plan providing a positive energy balance, while the ALG athletes had an ad libitum energy intake. Body weight (BW), body composition, one repetition maximum (1RM), 40 m sprint and counter movement jump (CMJ) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Energy intake was higher in the NCG than in the ALG (3585±601 vs. 2964±884 kcal) and consequently BW increased more in NCG than in ALG (3.9±0.6% vs. 1.5±0.4%). Fat mass (FM) increased more in NCG than in ALG (15±4 vs. 3±3%), but gain in LBM was not different between groups. All 1RM results improved in both groups (6-12%), whereas 40 m sprint and CMJ remained unchanged, except for a significant decrease in 40 m sprint for the athletes in NCG. Athletes with nutritional guidance increased BW more, however, excess energy intake in a weight-gain protocol should be considered carefully due to undesirable increases in body fat.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway. ina.garthe@olympiatoppen.no
authors.forename: Ina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garthe
authors.forename: Truls
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Raastad
authors.forename: Per Egil
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Refsnes
authors.forename: Jorunn
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sundgot-Borgen
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009664:Norway; D009751:Nutritional Requirements / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult