Effects of chronic suboptimal energy intake on constant-load exercise in young women
Files
TR Number
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The physiologic and metabolic effects of chronic consumption of energy below recommended levels on constant-load exercise was studied in women age 19-24 years. Ten controls (average caloric intake ~ 35 kcal/kg body weight) and 10 subjects with suboptimal energy intake (average caloric intake - 25 kcal/kg body weight) were matched for age, exercise caloric expenditure and percentage of HB-predicted RMR. Subjects (n=20) completed a maximal incremental cycle ergometer test and a 30-minute cycle ergometer test at 75 % of peak oxygen consumption. Although both groups presented a significant increase in ventilation (VE) over time of exercise, the rate of change in VE and end-exercise VE value was significantly greater, F (1 J 18) = 5.63, P < .05, for the suboptimal energy intake group than for the controls. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.454), heart rate (HR) tended to be continuously higher for the suboptimal energy intake group than the control group during the constant-load cycle test. Peripheral ratings of perceived exertion (RPE-L) also tended to be higher for the suboptimal energy intake group at the end of constant-load exercise, however, not significantly (p = 0.072). Two subjects in the suboptimal energy intake group failed to complete the 30-minute submaximal constant-load cycle test; one completed 15 minutes and the other 20 minutes. All subjects in the control group completed the entire submaximal constant-load test (30 minutes). These results suggest that women with chronic suboptimal energy intake have increased difficulty tolerating moderate intensity exercise for 30 minutes (an intensity and duration that mimics a typical exercise session).