Energy expenditure and dietary intake of female collegiate tennis and soccer players during a competitive season

This study examined energy expenditure, dietary behavior, and energy balance of female tennis and soccer student-athletes during a competitive season. A sample of 18 (Mage=19.86±1.35 years) Division I female collegiate student-athletes (5 tennis and 13 soccer players) were followed for four days, i. e., during one game/match, two practice sessions, and one recovery day. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometers and dietary behavior with daily food logs. Daily energy expenditure for the game/match, practice, and rest days was 2,848±304kcal, 2,622±248kcal, and 1,833±959kcal, respectively, with a statistically significant main effect (F[2,16]=82.291, p<.001, η2=.91). Daily dietary intake ranged from 1,833±959 to 1849±371kcal, with no significant interaction between different days. There were no sport specific differences in energy expenditure or dietary behaviors. Athletes consumed 4.30±2.07 g/kg carbohydrates, 1.57±.98 g/kg protein, and 1.27±.80 g/kg fats daily. There was a significant main effect in dietary intake (F[2,16]=7.311, p=.006, η2=.48), with a difference between game/match and recovery days (t[17]=3.83, p=.001, d=1.19). This study showed a negative energy balance among female student-athletes. The findings indicate that the lack of carbohydrate intake during game/match days contributed to this energy deficit.