Observational study assesses energy availability factors in female athletes, suggesting stable knowledge and risks over a season.
Key Points
This study aims to evaluate changes in low energy availability (LEA) factors and their association with knowledge among female cross-country athletes over a season.
Observed 15 NCAA Division I female cross-country athletes across a season.
Measured energy intake, macronutrient intake, exercise energy expenditure, and mileage using various questionnaires and dietary records.
Conducted preseason and postseason assessments to compare data.
At-risk proportions for low energy availability and disordered eating did not significantly change across the season.
Exercise energy expenditure decreased significantly from preseason to postseason.
Only disordered eating risk showed a correlation with low energy availability knowledge.