Author(s): NAKAMOTO, F., SILVA, N.A.O., AGUIAR, V.A., RAMOS, C.S., FERRACINI, C.B.F., PEDRINI, M.L.R., SVERZUT, M.Z., COLUCCI, J.A., FERREIRA, R.E.S., QUARESMA, M.V.L.S., Institution: CENTRO UNIVERSITÁRIO SÃO CAMILO, Country: BRAZIL, Abstract-ID: 2454

INTRODUCTION:
It has been reported that female CrossFit® practitioners consume less energy and carbohydrates than necessary to meet their total daily energy expenditure. Over time, the combination of high intensity exercise practice and low energy intake may result in low energy availability, probably leading to REDs. The aim of the study was to evaluate a few REDs indicators and the dietary intake of recreational female CrossFit® practitioners 3 years after their first assessment.
METHODS:
Female CrossFit® practitioners who participated in the first cross-sectional study were invited to a 3-year follow-up (ethics committee approval n.7977450). All the procedures were conducted in the same fashion: they answered health, sociodemographic, sleep quality (PSQI), and the Low Energy Availability in Females (LEAF-Q) questionnaires; resting energy expenditure (REE) via indirect calorimetry and body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis) were assessed in a fasting state, followed by blood test; two 24-hour dietary recalls were performed to assess dietary intake. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Paired Student's t-test compared both assessments (baseline and follow-up). Data were analyzed using Jamovi® 2.3.21 version and are presented as mean ± SD.
RESULTS:
Ten recreational female CrossFit® practitioners were evaluated. They are 38.6 (2.1) years old and practice 5.5 ± 2.3 hours/week of CrossFit®. No statistically significant differences were observed between baseline and follow-up for REE (1581.1 ± 196.8 vs. 1494.6 ± 213.9 kcal/day; p=0.23; d=0.41), body mass (62.4 ± 4.3 vs. 63.4 ± 5.1 kg; p=0.21; d=0.43), fat-free mass (48.1 ± 4.1 vs. 48.8 ± 4.4 kg; p=0.32; d=0.33), or fat mass (14.3 ± 1.5 vs. 14.6 ± 3.0 kg; p=0.77; d=0.10), respectively. Similarly, no significant changes were found in hormonal levels, including IGF-1 (159.9 ± 41.3 vs. 145.6 ± 18.0 ng/mL; p=0.20; d=0.44), leptin (11.3 ± 9.2 vs. 7.7 ± 6.0 ng/mL; p=0.056; d=0.74), and total triiodothyronine (TT3) (0.97 ± 0.31 vs. 0.93 ± 0.21 ng/mL; p=0.59; d=0.18), but it is important to notice that TT3 levels, a primary indicator of REDs, are subclinically low. Also, no significant differences were observed in LEAF-Q scores (2.6 ± 1.4 vs. 6.0 ± 6.0; p=0.11; d=0.57) or PSQI scores (5.1 ± 2.8 vs. 4.3 ± 2.0; p=0.36; d=0.31). Energy intake (1652.55 ± 513.07 vs. 1631.15 ± 718.62 kcal/day; p=0.950; d=0.02), and carbohydrate intake (2.58 ± 1.20 vs. 2.58 ± 1.51 g/kg of body weight; p=0.998; d < 0) were also similar, which means that they probably continue to consume less energy and carbohydrate than necessary to meet their energy requirement.
CONCLUSION:
Preliminary data showed no significant differences between baseline and the 3-year follow-up for REE, body composition, hormonal levels, LEAF-Q and PSQI scores, and dietary intake of the recreational female CrossFit® practitioners. TT3, a primary indicator of REDs, is subclinically low. Energy and carbohydrate intake seem to continue insufficient to meet energy requirement.