FEMALE SWIMMERS NEED A LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY INTAKE WHEN IN HEAVY TRAINING

Trappe, T. A., Gastaldelli, A., Jozsi, A. C., Troup, J. P., & Wolfe, R. P. (1997). Energy expenditure of swimmers during high volume training. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29, 950-954.

Trained female swimmers (N = 5) were administered a dose of doubly labeled water and monitored for five days. Training consisted of two sessions per day, lasting a total of 5-6 hours. Energy intake for two days was self-recorded. Energy output was determined theoretically.

Energy input was less that energy output (-43%). Ss' body weights did not change. The discrepancy was attributed to the incorrect reporting of food ingested.

Implication. High-volume training in competitive female swimmers is likely to require a dietary input of energy that is supported by normal non-restricted diets. The measurement of energy intake and output is at best tenuous.

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