Introduction: The use of predictive equations is the most viable method for basal metabolic rate (BMR) estimation in both general population and athletes, as equations are easy to apply and costless. However, several authors have shown that equations can be imprecise and can under- or over-estimate BMR, especially when they are applied in high-level athletes or in ethnic groups that differ from the original studies that validated such equations. For this reason the use of indirect calorimetry (IC) is preferable to measure BMR in athletes (Moreira da Rocha et al., 2005). The aim of this study was to evaluate BMR in adolescent practicing synchronized swimming using two methods: IC and two of most recommended equations by the Italian Nutrition Society. Methods: 13 elite synchronized swimmers (age 15±1.0 years, Body Mass Index 21±2.4, Fat Mass 26.7±8.4%) took part in the study. BMR was measured after an overnight fast and athletes were instructed to abstain from physical activity for twelve hours before the BMR assessment. During the IC session, oxygen uptake (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were measured breath by breath by means of a gas analyzer (MedGraphics Breeze, St. Paul, MN) calibrated immediately before each test. With the patient supine and awake, VO2 and VCO2 were obtained for 30 minutes. The first 10 minutes of registration were excluded from calculation. BMR was calculated also using two equations: the Schoefield` (SCH) and the Harris Benedict` (HB). BMR obtained with the three methods were compared by means of the one-way analysis of variance. Moreover, the Bland and Altman (1986) plot was carried out to estimate agreement among methods. Results: The two equations systematically underestimated BMR as compared to IC (HB=1380.0 ±71.9 and SCH= 1377.0±71.1 vs. IC=1542.5±241.5 kcal/day, p>0.01). The Bland and Altman statistics showed that the 95% limits of agreement were within +558.7 and -233.5 kcal/day (IC-HB) and +569.0 and -238.0 kcal/day (IC-SCH). Discussion: Coaches and athletes need to be aware of limits related to the use of equations for estimating BMR in adolescent synchronized swimmers. Probably, the BMR underestimation is related to a higher free fat mass percentage in our sample with respect to the reference population of control adolescents.
© Copyright 2016 21st Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Vienna, 6. -9. July 2016. Julkaistu Tekijä University of Vienna. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator