A1 Journal article (refereed)
Energy availability during training camp is associated with signs of overreaching and changes in performance in young female cross-country skiers (2021)

Kettunen, O., Ihalainen, J. K., Ohtonen, O., Valtonen, M., Mursu, J., & Linnamo, V. (2021). Energy availability during training camp is associated with signs of overreaching and changes in performance in young female cross-country skiers. Biomedical Human Kinetics, 13(1), 246-254. https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2021-0030

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Kettunen, Oona; Ihalainen, Johanna K.; Ohtonen, Olli; Valtonen, Maarit; Mursu, Jaakko; Linnamo, Vesa

Journal or series: Biomedical Human Kinetics

eISSN: 2080-2234

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 01/01/2021

Volume: 13

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 246-254

Publisher: Sciendo

Publication country: Poland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bhk-2021-0030

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/77926

Abstract

Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if young female skiers meet their energy and macronutrient requirements, and how energy availability (EA) and macronutrient intake affects their performance during an intensive training camp. Material and methods: 19 female cross-country skiers (age 16.7 ± 0.7) filled in 48-hour food and training logs during a 5-day training camp. Fasting concentrations of hemoglobin, leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and glucose were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) the camp. Blood lactate (LA), heart rate (HR) and rating of per-ceived exertion (RPE) from a submaximal treadmill running test, jump height from counter movement jump (CMJ), and power from a reactive jump test (RJ) were also measured PRE and POST. Results: Mean EA was 40.3 ± 17.3 kcal · kgFFM–1 · d–1. 58% of the participants had suboptimal EA, 37% had low EA, and 53% had suboptimal carbohydrate intake. HR, HR/RPE ratio, LA/RPE ratio, CMJ, hemoglobin, leptin, T3, and insulin de-creased from PRE to POST. RPE and glucose increased from PRE to POST. EA during the camp correlated with changes in LA (r = 0.54, p = 0.018), LA/RPE (r = 0.65, p = 0.003), and RJ (r = 0.47, p = 0.043). Conclusions: Many athletes had difficulties in meeting their energy and carbohydrate requirements during a training camp. Furthermore, sufficient EA may help to avoid overreaching and to maintain performance during an intensive training period.

Keywords: athletes; women; training; nutrition; nutritional requirements; nutrient supply; carbohydrates; performance (capacity); overtraining

Free keywords: Carbohydrate; Female athlete; Macronutrient

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1