Cross-sectional comparison of body composition and resting metabolic rate in Premier League academy soccer players: Implications for growth and maturation |
| |
| Authors: | Marcus P Hannon Daniel J Carney Stephen Floyd Lloyd J F Parker John McKeown Barry Drust |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK;2. Everton Football Club , Liverpool, UK  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4452-6501;3. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK;4. Everton Football Club , Liverpool, UK;5. Everton Football Club , Liverpool, UK |
| |
| Abstract: | ABSTRACT For the first time we aimed to: (1) assess fat-free mass (FFM) and RMR in youth soccer players, (2) compare measured RMR to estimated RMR using previously published prediction equations, and (3) develop a novel population-specific prediction equation. In a cross-sectional design, 99 males from a Premier League academy underwent assessments of body composition (DXA) and RMR (indirect-calorimetry). Measured RMR was compared to estimated values from five prediction equations. A novel RMR prediction equation was developed using stepwise multiple regression. FFM increased (P<0.05) between U12 (31.6±4.2 kg) and U16 (56.3±5.3 kg) after which no further increases occurred (P>0.05). RMR in the U12s (1655±195 kcal.day?1), U13s (1720±205 kcal.day?1) and U14s (1846±218kcal.day?1) was significantly lower than the U15s (1957±128 kcal.day?1), U16s (2042±155 kcal.day?1), U18s (1875±180 kcal.day?1) and U23s (1941±197 kcal.day?1) squads (P>0.05). FFM was the single best predictor of RMR (r2=0.43; P<0.01) and was subsequently included in the novel prediction equation: RMR (kcal.day?1) = 1315 + (11.1 x FFM in kg). Both FFM and RMR increase from 12-16 years old, thus highlighting the requirement to adjust daily energy intake to support growth and maturation. The novel prediction RMR equation developed may help to inform daily energy requirements. |
| |
| Keywords: | RMR DXA fat-free mass youth soccer |
|
|
![ORCID Icon]({"type":"image","src":"/templates/jsp/images/orcid.png"} "ORCID Icon")
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4452-6501;3. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University , Liverpool, UK;4. Everton Football Club , Liverpool, UK;5. Everton Football Club , Liverpool, UK