A Proposal for a Standardized Approach to Inducing Low Energy Availability in Athletes

Jurov, Iva; Keay, Nicola; Hadžić, Vedran; Rauter, Samo

Abstract

Low energy availability in athletes is an insufficiently researched phenomenon due to lack of a universal methodology. Current objective and subjective methods for assessing low energy availability lack in accuracy, are not used with a standardized approach and fail to provide comparable, consistent results. Research in male athletes is even more challenging than in females. It is still not known what the threshold for low energy availability is when negative effects on health and performance occur. This is why in this paper a two-way standardized, systematic and controlled protocol for inducing low energy availability in free-living athletes is proposed. Ways of inducing low energy availability in athletes are described with a systematic approach to ensure accurate results. We suggest this is how new tools for assessing low energy availability can be developed with less burden on the athlete and the scientist. Analysis of each proposed protocol provides a rationale for their use. Future research directions are suggested for determining the threshold for low energy availability and determining the critical duration for its negative effects. Finally, we suggest a practical outcome of using the proposed research approach for health practitioners and coaches in order to protect athlete’s well-being.

Citation

Jurov, I., Keay, N., Hadžić, V., & Rauter, S. (2021). A Proposal for a Standardized Approach to Inducing Low Energy Availability in Athletes. Applied Sciences, 11(15), https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156679

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 19, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jul 21, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021
• Deposit Date: Jan 25, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 25, 2022
• Journal: Applied Sciences
• Electronic ISSN: 2076-3417
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 15
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156679
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1217094