Longitudinal analysis of resting energy expenditure and body mass composition in physically active children and adolescents

Abstract

Background Monitoring body composition and changes in energy expenditure during maturation and growth is significant, as many components can influence body structure in adulthood. In the case of young players, when these changes can influence their strength and power, it seems to be equally important. Our aim was to examine whether resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition would change after 10 months from baseline in physically active children and adolescents. Methods We obtained data from 80 children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years at two measurement points: the baseline in September 2018 and after 10 months in July 2019. The study was carried out using a calorimeter (Fitmate MED, Cosmed, Rome, Italy), a device used to assess body composition using by the electrical bioimpedance method by means of a segment analyzer (TANITA MC-980). The Student’s t-test and linear regression analysis were used. Using the stepwise forward regression procedure, the selection of factors in a statistically significant way that describes the level of REE was made. Results We noticed that REE was not significantly different between baseline (1596.94 ± 273.01 kcal) and after 10 months (1625.38 ± 253.26 kcal). When analyzing the difference in REE between studies girls, we found body height as a significant predictor. The results of our study show a negative relationship between growth and REE. Differences between sexes and age in REE between baseline and after 10 months were not significant. Conclusions Our study involving physically active children and adolescents, which used repeated objective measures and longitudinal statistical modeling to analyze them, was unable to demonstrate any interaction between body weight change, body composition measurements, and REE.

Development and Validation of a Novel Waist Girth-Based Equation to Estimate Fat Mass in Young Colombian Elite Athletes (F20CA Equation): A STROSA-Based Study

“… Estimate the young athlete’s fat-free mass (kg) according to the expression: Body Mass [kg] − F20 CA -estimated fat mass [kg]. Use the estimated fat-free mass to calculate the energy (e.g., resting energy expenditure or energy expenditure during exercise) [ 71 , 72 , 73 ] and macronutrient distribution [ 74 , 75 ]. For the selection of any predictive equation to estimate body composition or energy expenditure, the practitioner should consider the following: (a) the assessed athletes should be similar to the ones used to develop the original equation; (b) similarities in age and sex; (c) similarity in adiposity and physical activity levels; (d) the technique or protocol used in the study; and (e) the equipment used [ 70 ].…”