(49) SEASONAL TRANSITION, FAT FREE MASS LOSS, AND LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY AMONGST DIVISION I COLLEGIATE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The pre-season preparatory season of collegiate football is marked by increased skill and strength training development to maintain/produce appropriate body size and body composition. While specific body composition recommendations are dependent on the position and skill of the athlete, all players’ performances benefit from maintaining and/or increasing their fat-free mass (FFM). If FFM is lost, deleterious health and performance consequences can be attributed low energy availability (LEA). LEA occurs when caloric intake does not match the energy expended causing an inadequate amount of energy left to maintain physiological functioning.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate if FFM changes across the preparatory period among Division I collegiate football athletes.

Methods: Fifty- two Division 1 football players were tested at the end of spring season and again during the competitive season (I, II respectively). Body mass and composition were measured using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance while height was measured using a stadiometer. A statistical analysis included paired sample t-tests; mean ± SD. P-value was designated as (p < 0.05).

Results: Accumulatively, athletes gained body mass and FFM (p < 0.01) over the preparatory period (BM +0.6 ± 4.1kg and FFM +1.9 ± 3.6kg). However, of the 52 players, 59% had lost or maintained their body weight over the 6-month period. Of those who lost/maintained body mass, 39% of the players tested lost body mass, lost FFM. CONCLUSIONS: Preparatory period outcomes typically focus on maintenance and/or increase of FFM. However, loss of FFM throughout the preparatory period is consistent with the symptoms of LEA. Undereating or not maintaining adequate energy and/or nutrients while performing at a high training volume or intensity can lead to a loss in body mass/composition. LEA is also a precursor for various physiological, neuroendocrine, and psychological diminutions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Ensuring proper nutrition during the preparatory phase and in-season will decrease the risk of athletes experiencing low energy availability further allowing them to perform at their highest capability. Degradation of FFM among athletes who experience LEA are susceptible to an increase in mental disorders and a decrease in training response compromising both health and performance.

 

Acknowledgements: None